Josh specialises in planning and infrastructure matters – primarily on the delivery of energy and low carbon projects (including the energy transition and hydrogen), Development Consent Orders (DCO), planning applications, compulsory acquisition matters, and infrastructure agreements.
In particular, Josh regularly advises on consenting strategies and the submission of planning and DCO applications and has led energy clients through the various consenting phases for renewable energy schemes – from inception to delivery.
Josh Taylor's knowledge of the planning system and DCOs is second to none. His advocacy on our recent project was commended by all in the team. Arthur Hopkinson has worked well with third parties to get a number of agreements finalised, and his summaries of them are comprehensive.
Josh Taylor - Very knowledgeable on the NSIP process. Very diligent. Personable and really work to be part of the team. Always deliver to deadlines and to an exceptional standard.
Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world
I have a particular enthusiasm for decarbonisation - helping to create a platform for clients to contribute to the energy transition and net zero.
As a result of balancing work at a local and national level - across the board of energy infrastructure - I have had the opportunity to develop a well-rounded portfolio with exposure to a range of high-profile clients, industry bodies, and strategic policy working groups. This means that I have an in-depth knowledge of the different policy positions and consenting regimes across the energy sector. Accordingly, I am poised to deliver commercial and pragmatic advice to enable clients to succeed in tomorrow's world.
Josh Taylor is outstanding. With in-depth knowledge of his practice area and the wider sector, combined with a real understanding of commercial clients' businesses and a pro-active manner, Josh consistently provides clear and pragmatic advice.
Solar projects & co-location
Acting for various solar and energy storage developers across both Town and Country Planning Act and Nationally Significant Infrastructure scale projects, including full life-cycle planning strategy, advocacy at public hearings, and statutory instrument drafting.
Pembroke Net Zero Centre
Advised RWE Generation UK Plc on the planning and consenting of its Pembroke Net Zero Energy Centre and related energy transition projects including development of a green hydrogen plant (110MW), battery energy storage scheme (350MW), and carbon capture facility at its Pembroke Power Station.
Offshore wind
On the promotion and successful consent for offshore wind farm DCOs totalling over 4,000MW including advice on strategy and risk, project management, assisting at public hearings, meetings with stakeholders, and negotiating legal agreements. These schemes were also ground-breaking in bringing forward novel and new approaches to compensation measures under Article 6(4) of the Habitats Regulations Directive. Josh also led on the pre-commencement phase – including negotiating a Planning Performance Agreement with four LPAs, advice on discharge of requirements and permitted development rights, as well as the strategy connected to the Transfer of Benefit of the DCOs.
Electricity Act Transmission and Distribution Licence Holders
Including negotiating asset protection agreements, delivering strategy advice, and negotiating infrastructure agreements for DNOs, and advising on the options appraisal and strategy for an NSIP electricity reinforcement project together with assisting on stakeholder engagement, scoping, and site selection.
A local energy community group
With the pre-planning, and planning, application process in their successful application to build an onshore community wind scheme, including working with the council to allocate the green belt site as suitable for wind energy in the development plan in order to unlock development value; and leading the legal strategy, programme, and negotiation with stakeholders including an adjacent Power Station.