Planning lawyer Bell joins Birketts as senior associate

Planning and environmental law specialist Steven Bell has joined law firm Birketts as a Senior Associate after more than 16 years in local government.

Bell moves from nplaw, the shared legal service based at Norforlk County Council.

He has particular expertise in drafting s.106 Agreements, judicial review of planning decisions, the Community Infrastructure Levy, public rights of way, common land, and general highways law.

Bell (pictured) said: “Birketts’ specialist planning law department is an exciting move after working in local government for 16 years - over 10 years as a Senior Lawyer - in planning and environmental law for local planning authorities in East Anglia and Essex. The team adds significant value to the service by drawing on the expertise of other firm members who specialise in property transactions and public law.”

Tom Newcombe, Partner and Head of Birketts’ Planning and Environment team added: “I’m delighted to welcome Steven to Birketts as we continue to strengthen the team with key, strategic appointments drawn from the public and private sector in order to provide our clients with high quality, practical advice and representation on all aspects of planning law and environmental law.”

Bell will be based at Birketts’ Norwich office but will support colleagues across its four offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.