Melissa Murphy KC and Ashley Bowes join planning team at Landmark Chambers

Landmark Chambers has bolstered its top-rated planning practice with the arrival of Melissa Murphy KC and Dr Ashley Bowes.

Murphy was appointed King’s Counsel in 2022 “and with major clients including the National Trust and well-known national developers, has established a reputation as a go-to silk for heritage and viability work in particular”, Landmark Chambers said.

Murphy said: “Landmark is the top planning set in the country, indeed has recently been lauded as ‘Set of the Year’ by the Legal 500. As such, I am really looking forward to beginning the next phase of my planning practice in Chambers.”

Bowes, who was called to the Bar in 2013, specialises in all aspects of the development and use of land including planning, property, and local government law. He has particular expertise in resolving public access to land disputes including issues concerning rights of way, village greens, commons and highways law.

Landmark Chambers said: “He has a thriving practice litigating in the High Court and appearing in planning inquiries as well as in high profile environmental law cases.”

Bowes said: “The range and quality of work available at Landmark along with an impressive client list made this a natural next step for me as I continue to develop my practice.”

Head of Landmark’s planning group Rupert Warren KC said: “We are thrilled that Melissa and Ashley have chosen to join us. They will undoubtedly strengthen Landmark’s planning group in terms of the strength and depth of service we offer to our clients.”