Top planning silk becomes High Court judge

The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary said Kimblin will bring 27 years of experience as a barrister, and experience as a Deputy High Court Judge, to the role.

He was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1998 and took Silk in 2016. He was appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2024.

At No5 Chambers his clients included developers, local authorities and central government departments.

Kimblin will take up appointment on 12 November 2025.

The appointment will fill a vacancy in the High Court following elevations to the Court of Appeal and confirmed retirements.

Peter Goatley KC, Head of No5 Chambers and fellow member of the Planning and Environment Group, said, “We are delighted to hear the news that Richard Kimblin KC has been appointed as a High Court Judge, assigned to the King's Bench Division. This is due recognition for his outstanding contribution to the law in the fields of planning and environmental law, both as a practitioner and as a Deputy High Court Judge. Many congratulations to Richard on this appointment. We wish him well in this new role.”