Knights, the UK's regional professional services business, has strengthened its national Planning team in Portsmouth with the appointment of Bernard Ralph as a Partner.
Having worked in private practice in both the UK and Australia, Bernard brings more than 20 years of experience to the business and is an expert in all elements of the planning process.
Drawing on all the knowledge and experience gained throughout his career so far, Bernard will be advising clients on the full range of planning issues, including planning applications, complex agreements, appeals, enforcement investigations, policy development, and litigation arising from statutory challenges and judicial reviews. His clients include residential and commercial developers, aviation and leisure companies, and public sector bodies.
Bernard also has particular expertise in resolving aviation objections to wind farms and regularly negotiates related planning and commercial agreements to facilitate renewable energy development. He also specialises in drafting and negotiating bespoke section 106 planning obligations.
Speaking of his decision to join Knights, Planning Partner, Bernard Ralph, said: "I'm excited to have joined Knights, who are the standout regional professional services firm nationally. The business is on a rapid and ambitious growth journey, but what stood out to me is the firm's clear commitment to serving the needs of its clients nationally through its regional markets.
"The firm's unique one team approach and national scale, combined with its strong local presence on the South coast, provides a brilliant platform to deliver excellent service for clients. I am already seeing the benefit of working as part of such a talented team."
Working alongside colleagues from across Knights, Bernard also forms part of the business' multi-disciplinary planning offering that includes lawyers and Chartered Town Planners who support clients through all types of planning applications including complex, large-scale development and regeneration projects.
Ellen Lambert, Client Services Director at Knights, added: "It's brilliant to have Bernard onboard. He's an expert in his field and brings a significant amount of experience to bolster our growing Planning team, which is fantastic for our clients and colleagues as we strive to deliver the very best legal advice.
"This is a really exciting time to be joining the business as we look towards further growth, not just in the South East but nationwide. Bernard has really hit the ground running, and we're excited to be welcoming yet more top professionals to our teams across the country in the weeks and months to come."
With 1,350 professionals working collaboratively across 32 offices nationwide, Knights is ranked within the top 50 UK law firms by revenue, providing multiple services to business clients alongside premium advisory services to private individuals.