Richard Harding

Richard advises on all planning aspects of residential and commercial development with a particular focus on housebuilding.

Richard acts for the UK’s leading housebuilders on a wide range of matters including planning obligations, highways and public rights of way issues and planning appeals/challenges.  He is particularly recognised for his expertise on the Community Infrastructure Levy and complex s.106 and infrastructure agreements.

Aside from housing, Richard also provides advice to commercial developers and registered providers and assists with the delivery of major infrastructure projects ranging from airport and stadium development to renewable energy facilities.

Richard has 10 years' experience of advising developer clients and leads the planning team's house builder offering.

Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world

The planning system regulates the built environment and has an important role to play in shaping the future of our town and cities and the transition to net zero-carbon. However, it is not an easy system to navigate and recent attempts at simplification have had the opposite effect or remain to be implemented whilst the potential political implications are considered.  My focus is on cutting through the political rhetoric and unearthing the practical challenges and implications that my clients will face - the devil is very often in the detail.

Richard is our go-to lawyer on CIL and frequently helps us to successfully navigate our way through the minefield that is the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations."

Client, Senior Planning Manager at David Wilson Homes Southern