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Firm fighting Bristol Airport expansion protesters wins top award
A law firm which is working with Bristol Airport on its controversial expansion plans has won a top award.
Womble Bond Dickinson, which obtained planning permission for the expansion on appeal and overturned a challenge to the decision, has been named Planning Law Firm of the Year at the 2023 Planning Awards.
The Bristol-based firm’s work on the expansion was put forward in its nomination alongside other projects, including securing a development consent order for the reopening of the Portishead railway line.
The judges praised the firm for “the breadth of legal work” and noted that “the issues involved across these high-profile projects is simply staggering”.
Jon Bower, head of planning at Womble Bond Dickinson, said: “Our firm has a strong history of advising on planning and consenting issues for some of the largest and most complex developments across the UK.
“In the last 18 months particularly, our team has had the opportunity to be involved in some major developments up and down the country, all expected to hugely benefit communities and the environment.
“As a firm committed to net zero by 2030, we’re proud to have advised our clients on these ground-breaking, sustainable projects which are helping to decarbonise the economy.”
Bristol Airport’s expansion will see its capacity increased from ten to 12 million people per year. Anti-expansion protesters have vowed to continue fighting the plans despite being denied an appeal in May.
Main photo: Womble Bond Dickinson
Read next:
- Appeal against Bristol Airport expansion refused
- Crowdfunder to fight Bristol Airport expansion raises over £13k in three days
- Bristol Airport expansion given green light by High Court
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