Michelmores pulled off a real coup recently with the lateral hire of planning expert Karen Trickey, an experienced former local government solicitor who now acts for both private and public sector clients. Among this roster of clients sit a number of prominent residential developers including Barratt Homes, Persimmon and George Wimpey, which the group assists on a variety of matters including obtaining planning permission, renegotiations of Section 106 agreements and defending allegations of planning control breaches. Recent key transactions for the team have included assisting a consortium of developers with Section 106 agreements on sites in South Somerset. The group also offers expert advice to local authorities and was recently involved in assisting with a twelve-month inquiry project. Lead practitioner Graham Cridland attracts praise for his expertise in dealing with highways law and large development initiative, while associate Mark Howard impresses commentators with his timely input into matters with a significant compulsory purchase or development angle. According to interviewees, "Howard has made his mark with some notable displays of work in the sector."

Graham Cridland leads the planning team at Michelmores LLP, where key clients for 2007 included Cavanna Group and Persimmon Homes.

Graham Cridland heads the practice at Michelmores LLP . In 2006, the firm advised on a variety of planning appeals, Section 106 agreements, public inquiries, CPOs and planning agreements. Clients included Abbey Manor Group, George Wimpey, Barratt Homes and several local authorities and housebuilders. Cridland brings particular expertise in highway agreements, traffic regulation orders, footpaths and the CROW Act.

"Graham Cridland brings particular expertise...He gets on with everybody..."