Claire is an Associate in our Planning and Environment team, and predominantly advises on renewable energy projects.
Her experience ranges from the early stages of consenting, such as EIA reports and environmental statements, through to condition/requirement discharges and construction readiness. Claire has particular experience of helping developer clients navigate the complexities of offshore wind consenting, including judicial reviews, and of advising developers on other proposed NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) which will affect their consented project. She has also advised on planning agreements, planning applications, compulsory purchase, necessary wayleaves and due diligence.
Before beginning her traineeship, Claire was a Paralegal in our Property team in London for three years, so she is well versed in leases, option agreements, compulsory acquisition and other English property matters.
- Obtaining Development Consent Orders for the East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia TWO offshore windfarms, including two judicial reviews brought against each project and post-consent matters including discharge of requirements, ancillary TCPA planning applications, compulsory acquisition and highway agreements.
- Drafting and negotiating various interface agreements relating to the onshore infrastructure for an offshore windfarm.
- Acting for affected persons on other energy NSIPs including the Net Zero Teesside Project, Five Estuaries and Sea Link.
- Assisting on energy appeals in Scotland, including the successful Berryhill Solar Farm appeal and the successful Neilston Battery Storage and Grid Stabilisation appeal.
- Carrying out various EIA reviews in relation to applications for consent for onshore windfarms, offshore windfarms, onshore windfarm repowering and transmission projects.
- Acting on various due diligence projects ranging from full reviews of energy portfolios to section 106 agreement reviews, including Certificates of Title.
- Drafting and negotiating restoration bonds for several of ScottishPower Renewable’s onshore windfarms, as well as road bonds.
- Advising a fish farm operator in relation to appeals against SEPA-initiated variations of their CAR water use licences.
