“I relish the opportunity to work on new projects and help the team to develop the best approach to consenting. The issues never stand still and it is exciting being at the forefront of change.”

Colin heads up our Planning and Environmental team. He has extensive experience of advising on the planning and environmental aspects of major development projects, especially in the energy sector.

He has particular expertise in dealing with European/National designated sites. He represents clients at public inquiries and hearings, and advises on court challenges to planning decisions. Colin is a legal associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and a member of RUK and Scottish Renewables Planning Policy Onshore Groups. He is accredited as a planning specialist by the Law Society of Scotland.

Areas of practice include:

Sector experience includes:

Admitted

1993: Scotland
1997: England and Wales

Relevant experience

Advising on the East Anglia One North and Two offshore wind projects and associated infrastructure, including conducting all the advocacy on behalf of the Applicants before the nine-month long Examination.
Advising on CPO issues with the delivery of offshore wind farms in Scotland and England.
Advising developers on over 20 onshore wind projects; many involved both onshore wind generation and battery storage, and several also including solar schemes.
Advising on life extension and repowering applications for wind farm projects.
Advising developers on Scotwind projects, including the 2 GW Caledonia Offshore Windfarm
Advising on, and appearing at, five DCO examinations in respect of offshore wind wake loss arguments.
Advising on a successful planning appeal for Neilston NGESO Pathfinder 2 project involving battery and synchronous technology (Statkraft).

Professional bodies

2000: Legal Associate, Royal Town Planning Institute

“He is very good at drawing on his experience and is very practical.”

Chambers (2024)

Further testimonials

“Colin’s advice is always well thought out, innovative and bespoke to our needs.”

Chambers (2023)

“Colin Innes is absolutely first-class.”

Chambers (2022)

“His calm approach in challenging situations provided us with confidence and welcome reassurance.”

Chambers (2021)

“Clear-sighted in his approach, exceptionally committed and great at grappling with difficult problems. He is prepared to look at things from different angles.”

Chambers (2020)