Alistair Watson

Al is our UK Head of Planning & Environment. He's advised on landmark UK projects including numerous stadia, airports, and real estate developments. Clients describe Al as a commercially minded lawyer with outstanding energy, people skills, and commitment to their businesses. He's been in practice for 28 years, and is recognised as one of the UK's leading planning lawyers.

Al guides clients through a range of development and infrastructure schemes, including complex planning applications, development of environmental and sustainability strategies, compulsory land acquisition, as well as supporting appeals and contentious matters arising from the development of sports stadia, airports, skyscrapers, and large residential sites.

He has a Master of Laws in Planning from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and was elected a Legal Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute in 2003. Al often comments on planning projects of national interest with broadsheet and specialist press outlets, including the Financial Times.

CV

Since 2010 Partner and Head of Planning, Taylor Wessing

1994 - 2010 Associate, CMS Cameron McKenna

Carrière

Since 2010 Partner and Head of Planning, Taylor Wessing

1994 - 2010 Associate, CMS Cameron McKenna

Formation

2003 Admitted to the Royal Town Planning Institute, Legal Associate

1999 Admitted to the law society’s roll of solicitors, England and Wales

1994 Master of Laws in Planning, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Groupes & Associations

Legal Associate, Royal Town Planning Institute, 2003

Langues étrangères

Prix et distinctions

Chambers and Partners UK 2024

Featured

Chambers and Partners UK 2023

Legal 500 UK 2023

Legal 500 UK 2022

Experience

Staycation Resort

Acting for the lead investor in the planning for a major sports and leisure staycation resort in England.

Alistair Watson

Logistics

Advising developers, landlords, and tenants on the acquisition of and expansion of logistics facilities, from final mile delivery to central hubs.

Alistair Watson

Airport Infrastructure

Acting for airport operators, airlines, and investors in relation to the development of airports and the supporting transport infrastructure.

Alistair Watson

Private Wealth

Private Clients and Family Offices on the acquisition of and redevelopment of buildings, many of which are heritage assets.

Alistair Watson

Sports stadia

From advising the London Borough of Brent on the then New Wembley National Stadium to acting for various English football clubs in the Premier League and the Football League on planning applications for the development of their new sports stadia, training grounds, and associated transport and social infrastructure improvements.

Alistair Watson