Overview

Gemma is a legal director and Head of the Planning and Environment Team who has specialised in planning, environmental and compulsory purchase matters since qualification in 2003.

Experience

Gemma specialises in both contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental law, including assisting with planning applications and appeals, advising in relation to the interpretation of planning policy, planning conditions/obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010, and input and advice in relation to Environmental Impact Assessments. She also deals with applications for Certificates of Lawfulness, Section 106 Agreements, proposals to list properties as Assets of Community Value and planning enforcement matters. Gemma advises in relation to highway law and public rights of way, including stopping up and diversion orders, and Section 38/278 Agreements. She also has experience of bringing and defending High Court and Appeal Court challenges, including Judicial Reviews. Gemma also advises in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land and liquor and gaming licence applications.

Background

Gemma read law at the London School of Economics and Cambridge University before completing her legal practice course at the College of Law in London. She trained as a solicitor at Nabarro in London, qualifying into their planning team in September 2003. Gemma joined Hewitsons' Planning and Environment Team in February 2006.

Additional information

Rated in Chambers & Partners Legal Guide 2019 and ranked as a Rising Star in the Legal 500 2020 guide.