Practice Profile
Jonathan was called to the bar in 2019 and has rapidly become recognised as a leading barrister in both planning and environmental law. He has extensive advocacy experience at public inquiries, the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Lands Tribunal. He is a member of the Attorney General's C Panel of counsel.
His practice focuses on the following core areas:
- Major infrastructure Projects
- Planning
- Compulsory purchase and compensation
- Environmental
Jonathan is ranked by Legal 500 as a rising star in environmental law, and is consistently ranked by Planning Magazine as a leading planning junior.
Jonathan’s clients include local authorities, developers, utility companies & statutory undertakers, interest groups and local residents. He has extensive experience appearing as sole counsel, and often against KCs. He is also used to, and enjoys, acting as part of a team.
Prior to undertaking pupillage at FTB, Jonathan spent a year as judicial assistant to Sir Keith Lindblom L.J. in the Court of Appeal.
Inquiries and hearings
Jonathan has appeared at many appeal inquiries and hearings, acting for local planning authorities, developers and interested parties. He prides himself on having experience in a broad range of planning matters, incorporating residential, commercial & retail, industrial, and infrastructure. Jonathan always enjoys getting to know and working with a team in preparation for and during the event and helping his clients’ put their best case forward. He particularly enjoys working with experts in technical fields. Recent experience includes:
- 2-week s.106B appeal inquiry in relation to residential development at Chilmington Green, Ashford. This is the largest known application by a developer to discharge/modify obligations under a s.106.
- 2-week s.78 appeal inquiry relating to residential tall buildings in Newham
- 8-week s.78 appeal inquiry relating to a proposed new settlement at the former Wisley Airfield in Surrey
- 5-day combined s.78 and enforcement inquiry in relation to lorry parking facility in North West Leicestershire
- Multiple days representing housebuilder at Ealing Local Plan Examination
- Acting for housebuilder at s.78 hearing in Hackney
- 3-day enforcement inquiry in Lambeth in relation to residential development
- 2-day enforcement inquiry in Bracknell Forest
- Acting for developer in 9-day section 78 inquiry relating to 55 unit residential development
- 4-day s.78 inquiry in relation to residential development in Bracknell Forest
- Appearing for the Westminster City Council (a Rule 6(6) party) in call-in inquiry into 8 Albert Embankment mixed use redevelopment scheme
- Acting for appellant developer in 5-day combined s.73 and Enforcement Notice appeal in relation to a school site in South London
- 8-day s.78 inquiry in relation to residential development of land in Bath, on behalf of an adjoining commercial landowner and Rule 6(6) party
Court work
Jonathan has extensive experience of representing clients in judicial reviews and statutory challenges to planning decisions. As a result of this experience, he is regularly sought after for advice by those contemplating such litigation, as well as those resisting/responding to challenges. Recent experience includes:
- Acting for developer (Church Commissioners) as Interested Party responding to judicial review of planning permission granted by Kirklees Council (AC-2024-LDS-000251)
- Acting for interest groups challenging reserved matters decision in Buckinghamshire (AC-2025-LON-001148, 001058)
- Acting for claimant retail store client (Lidl) in challenge to rival (Aldi) planning permission in East Lindsey ([2024] EWHC 1641 (Admin))
- Acting for claimant housing developer (Class Q Ltd) in statutory challenge to Inspector’s decision in Rutland (AC-2024-LON-000009)
- Counsel for housing developers (Hafod Housing) as Interested Party, resisting challenge to planning permission for residential development in Wales (CO/430/2023)
- Counsel for claimant in litigation following the successful challenge to local plan policies considering the issue of appropriate relief and steps taken to remedy unlawful policies in adopted plan ([2023] EWHC 1776 (Admin))
- Counsel for Buckinghamshire Council in successful s.288 challenge to Inspector’s decision (CO/3711/2022). Case involved a failure to comply with Habitats Regulations, and failure to have regard to a material consideration
- Counsel for claimant in challenge to grant of planning permission in south London borough (CO/1225/2022)
- Counsel for claimant in judicial review of planning decision in Buckinghamshire (CO/1608/2022), concerning the Kides principle, the scope of a delegation and EIA principles (amongst other grounds)
- Counsel in judicial review of planning decision affecting SEN school (issues including the scheme of delegation, noise, traffic and air quality) R (G) v Thanet District Council [2021] EWHC 2026 (Admin)
- Counsel in section 288 challenge to an Inspector’s decision to grant planning consent in Bath (CO/1548/2021)
- Counsel for Interested Party developer in hearing considering extent of Aarhus cost protection
- S.288 challenge to Inspector’s decision concerning a substantial residential dwelling (CO/2759/2020)
Advisory work
Much of Jonathan’s planning advisory practice is directed to assisting his clients achieve their objectives and avoiding appeals and litigation. In recent years, this has included:
- Representing a housebuilder client at Ealing Local Plan examination
- Advising local authority client on interpretation of s.106 agreement schedule relating to affordable housing
- Advising local interest group in relation to AAP and drafting representations
- Advising LPA in relation to conservation area appraisals, reviews and management plans
- Advising LPA in relation to sports development on Metropolitan Open Land and Green Belt
- Advising football stadium owner in relation to sports facility development in London
- Advising housebuilder in relation to neighbourhood plan process
- Advising local interest group in relation to planning consequences of education obligations on local authorities
- Advising commercial developer on flood risk objection from EA in Berkshire
- Advising developer in relation to permitted development rights for central London conversion of commercial to residential
- Advising local planning authority on whether to challenge Inspector’s decision making adverse finding in respect of 5 year housing land supply
- Advising local interested parties in relation to emerging local plan process in Isle of Wight
- Advising commercial developer in relation to potential part 8 proceedings regarding interpretation of historic planning permissions for industrial development in the West of England
- Advising landowner on prospects of bringing statutory challenge to decision to refuse planning permission in the New Forest National Park
- Advising developer on appeal prospects in relation to green belt site proposed for release in withdrawn emerging local plan
- Advising local authority on strategy for negotiation with appellant during course of appeal against refusal of planning permission
- Correct construction of Articles 7, 13 and 14 of the DMPO in the context of complex land ownership
- Advice to local authority on the application of Hillside and the Pilkington principle to landfill and AD site with multiple historic permissions and remediation conditions
- Scope of section 73 and 96A applications and in relation to time limit conditions
- Advising DLUHC (as then was) on proposed planning law reforms
- Prospects of obtaining planning permission for substantial urban regeneration in inner London
- Prospects of obtaining planning permission for un-allocated green belt site in East Anglia
- Heritage planning matters concerning conversion of agricultural buildings to residential
- Advising on and preparing pre-action correspondence for challenge relating to a local authority scheme of delegation and the approach taken to flood risk; habitats issues; and assessment of noise impacts of development
- The scope of amendments permissible under sections 73 and 96A of the TCPA 1990 in the light of Finney
- The scope and lawfulness of planning conditions and obligations, especially concerning third party land, off-site contributions and infrastructure funding and provision
- Lawfulness of planning conditions, and principles behind the power to impose
- Relation between planning conditions and competition law
- Heritage matters including in particular the correct approach to decisions concerning heritage assets, and the relationship between planning permission and listed building consent
- Public procurement law as relevant to planning: development agreements and Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency Notices
- Use of regeneration and appropriation powers and relationship to restrictive covenants and registered village greens and commons
- Advising on waste planning matters for local residents group
- Neighbourhood planning and local government reorganisation including the creation of new parishes
- Prior approval and permitted development rights – the power to refuse for reasons other than those prescribed
- The powers and scope of delegation by planning committee to officers
- Housing land supply issues and the application of the tilted balance
- Community Infrastructure Levy and Social Housing Relief
Plan-making
- Appearing for housebuilder at local plan examination in Ealing proposing release of MOL land
- Counsel for claimant parish council in litigation following the successful challenge to local plan policies, considering the issue of appropriate relief and steps taken to remedy unlawful policies in adopted plan ([2023] EWHC 1776 (Admin))
- Promoting Water Resources Management Plans for Thames Water and Anglian Water, and advising on environmental assessment. This work has involved detailed consideration of strategic questions over a long period of time during the formulation and consultation on the draft plans. It has also involved scrutinising environmental assessment work undertaken
- Advising local planning authority on powers to make and scope of supplementary planning documents
- Acting for a neighbourhood forum in relation to the Brent Local Plan examination – with issues arising relating to the evidence base for windfall policies
- Advising local planning authority on formulation of heritage policies and implication of duties to keep under review their conservation areas
- Advising on the Duty to Cooperate
- Acting for owner of a security-sensitive and strategically important site partly allocated for development in a local plan – issues related to the suitability and developability of the site for the purposes of the allocation, and the effect on the UK Defence industry
- Advice on the lawfulness of developer contributions in development plans and supplementary planning documents
- The publication of and public access to LDF documents
- Waste planning: the selection of sites, calculation of need and assessment of suitability of sites
Enforcement
Jonathan regularly appears at a range of enforcement hearings and inquiries. He particularly enjoys working collaboratively with a team and finding the best strategy in this area which can be technically complex. In addition to contentious work, his advisory work in this area has encompassed the following issues:
- Unauthorised sports facility development
- Statutory challenge to inspector’s decision on EN appeal in relation to correct time limit for HMO
- Prosecution for breach of enforcement notice
- Planning Enforcement Orders
- Merits of CLEUD appeals
- Advising on correct approach to CLEUD application
- Enforcement procedure: the breadth of types of parties with rights of appeal against enforcement notices
- Advising campaign group in the West of England in relation to complex former quarry and Energy from Waste site subject to old restoration conditions
- Nullity and clarity of enforcement notices
- Enforcement against development on riverbanks/waterways
- Enforcement and caravans
- Enforcement and human rights
- Enforcement action and previously lawful uses of land
- Certificates of lawfulness – requirements for application; power to issue; powers of variation
- Certificates of lawfulness and the meaning of substantial completion
- Injunctive relief for breach of planning control
Section 106 and restrictive covenants
- S.106B appeal inquiry in relation to Chilmington Green, Ashford
- Advising on interpretation of affordable housing schedule
- Advising on restrictions on disused burial sites
- Advising on drafting and effect of section 106 agreements
- Advising on scope to vary section 106 agreements
- Advising on use of commuted sums under section 106 agreements
- Jonathan has experience of and is comfortable advising on issues relating to land covenants more generally
Advertisement consent
Jonathan is comfortable advising and acting for clients in matters concerning the Advertisement Regulations 2007. His recent work includes:
- Acting as sole counsel for advertisement owner successfully resisting prosecution following Discontinuance Notice
- Junior to Craig Howell Williams K.C. in a case concerning relationship between advertisement consent and permitted development rights
Jonathan is building expertise in a wide variety of environmental matters, and is co-editor of the FTB Environmental Law Blog. He is listed as a rising star in environmental law by Legal 500 (2024). His recent work has included:
- Acting for the Secretary of State defending judicial reviews of compensation payable to poultry keepers for culling of birds due to Avian Influenza (led by Sir James Eadie KC and Mark Westmoreland Smith KC) ([2024] EWCA Civ 1585)
- Acting for Natural England in the Court of Appeal in relation to its powers as a statutory corporation to bring proceedings for an injunction, and in relation to the interpretation of the EIA Regulations for agricultural projects ([2025] 1 WLR 2384)
- Advising water and sewerage undertakers on various issues, including Water Framework Directive compliance, water abstraction licences, water resources management plans, drainage and wastewater management plans
- Advising National Grid Electricity Transmission in relation to various environmental matter relevant to its existing assets and future projects
- Advising in relation to offshore wind sectoral reform
- Acting for and advising Natural England in relation to its powers as a statutory corporation
- Advising Natural England in relation to its approach to agricultural land classification
- Acting for DCO promoter in relation to environmental permit required to operate facility
- Advising the previous government on environmental law reforms
- Advising on the relationship between restoration conditions, the environmental permitting regime and landfill tax for waste sites
- Advising on application of the Reservoir Act 1975
- Advising on the interaction between restoration conditions and planning enforcement
- The balancing of public safety against environmental factors in decisions governed by the Habitats Regulations and concerning IROPI considerations
- Prosecution for breach of abatement notice under the EPA 1990
- Prosecution for fly-tipping offences
- Advising on Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Regulations, in particular the adequacy of mitigation and IROPI considerations
- Litigation arising from the Emissions Trading Scheme
- The proper approach to assessment of alternatives under the EIA Regulations
- Costs in environmental litigation
- Energy policy and climate change considerations in DCO context
- Ecology – protection of ancient habitats
- Green Deal Scheme appeals
- Tree felling licences and dangerous trees
Statutory nuisance
In this area, Jonathan has experience of the following:
- Advising on scope of noise abatement notices
- Successfully prosecuting breaches of abatement notices
Jonathan is building a busy practice specialising in infrastructure planning. He is in increasing demand for his considerable experience and expertise in the water and energy sectors. His recent experience includes:
- Acting for Thames Water, responding to the judicial review challenge to the Secretary of State’s direction to publish its water resources management plan (AC-2024-LON-003804)
- Advising National Grid Electricity Transmission in relation to a number of projects
- Advising two water undertakers on their Water Resources Management Plans and proposed Strategic Resource Options being brought forward as NSIPs
- Acting for the Secretary of State, successfully defending two challenges to East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two DCOs (both reached the Court of Appeal: [2024] EWCA Civ 277; [2024] EWCA Civ 12)
- Acting for and advising energy from waste DCO promoter on a challenge to its permission and issues relating to the environmental permit
- Acting for and advising landowner objector to solar scheme in central England
- Advising industry association in relation to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
- Acting for National Grid in relation to CPO for transmission network reinforcement project in Yorkshire
- Advising a water undertaker on its forthcoming drainage and wastewater management plan
- Reviewing environmental assessment work to support strategic water resources infrastructure
- Advising on the Water Resources National Policy Statement
- Advising on the scope of provisions under the Specified Infrastructure Projects Regulations 2013
- Advising on abstraction licencing in the context of strategic water resources planning
- Acting for Natural England, responding as an interested party to a challenge to a DCO in relation to NE’s advice amongst other matters
- Advising (as junior to Michael Humphries K.C.) major airport operator in relation to surface access matters
- Advising solar farm promoter on protective provisions negotiation with statutory undertaker, and avoidance of ransom value compensation issues
- Advising in relation to HS2 Act Schedule 17 applications
- Advising on scope of section 35 directions
- Advising local authority on permitted development rights in the context of airport infrastructure
- Assisted (during pupillage) Michael Humphries K.C. and Hugh Flanagan in relation to litigation concerning car parks at Heathrow Airport
- Assisted (during pupillage) Craig Howell Williams K.C. and Melissa Murphy in relation to the Court of Appeal case of London Borough of Hillingdon & Ors v The Secretary of State for Transport & Ors [2017] EWHC 121 (Admin), Hillingdon’s successful appeal concerning HS2 Schedule 17 applications
- Advising on the use of safeguarding directions for infrastructure
Jonathan is already building a busy practice in all aspects of compulsory purchase and compensation, and frequently acts on his own representing both acquiring authorities as well as objectors/claimants. He was chairman of the Compulsory Purchase Association Future Committee in 2023-2024. His recent work includes:
- Acting for/advising HS2 in a variety of compensation disputes both pre and post-reference
- Promoting town centre regeneration CPO in outer London (Havering)
- Promoting residential led estate regeneration CPO in London (Tower Hamlets)
- Acting for acquiring authority in compensation dispute relating to historic permission for commercial development in South Wales
- Advising acquiring authority in relation to compensation nfor acquisition of agricultural land
- Acting (together with Rebecca Clutten) for National Grid in relation to network reinforcement CPO
- Acting for HS2 in compensation dispute in the tribunal relating to disturbance costs (reasonableness of solicitors fees) ([2024] UKUT 361 (LC))
- Advising local authority on blight provisions in relation to heritage assets
- Advising solar farm DCO promoter on ransom value issues
- Acting for acquiring authority in a reference to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) for determination of compensation for compulsory acquisition of retail business premises ([2023] UKUT 153 (LC))
- Assisting Rebecca Clutten with preparation for CPO inquiry into estate regeneration scheme
- Advising joint venture partner on garden village proposal and negotiations with statutory undertakers in relation to a confirmed CPO
- Advising on scope of acquisition and appropriation for planning purposes under TCPA 1990
- Advising on business disturbance generally
- Advising on the drafting of notices of reference for Compulsory Purchase Compensation claims
- Drafting representations for DCO hearing regarding the requirement to consider alternatives
- Assisting Hugh Flanagan (during pupillage) on CPO for road widening scheme – Consideration of scale of public benefits and justification for extent of land take
- Assisting drafting advice relating to Electronic Communications Code wayleave agreements
- Research into limitation and temporary possession issues in compulsory purchase
- Assisting drafting advice relating to Wayleaves payments – Calculation and nature of compensation payments
Jonathan has gained experience in the following areas:
- Advising landowner of large derelict commercial premises on longstanding rates dispute and alleged liability with billing authority
- Advising billing authority on jurisdictional issues relating to magistrates’ court hearings for liability orders
- Acting for billing authority successfully resisting a challenge to a completion notice in the VTE
- Successful judicial review by ratepayer of billing authority decision in respect of ERD relief (government policy related to impact of covid on ratepayers)
- Advising billing authority on responding to appeal by case stated from Magistrates’ Court hearing
- Advising on correct approach to grant relief for non-domestic hereditaments
- The correct approach to Council Tax banding valuation evidence
- Advising on challenge to decisions of the VTE in relation to Council Tax
- Advising on approach to chargeable dwellings, aggregation and disaggregation
- Council tax liability issues and HMOs
- Interpretation and application of Material Day Regulations
- Issues arising relating to advertising hereditaments
- Schedule 5 exemptions
- Rates mitigation schemes and property guardianship – During pupillage Jonathan assisted Mark Westmoreland Smith in a case concerning the identification, nature and valuation of hereditaments: London Borough of Southwark v Ludgate House Limited [2020] EWCA Civ 1637
- Scope of proposal matters and the jurisdiction of the VTE
- Rates mitigation schemes
- Valuation: contractors’ method – appropriateness of substitutions
- Advising in relation to unoccupied rates and exemptions for energy infrastructure
Jonathan is well acquainted with highways law, rights of way matters and the law relating to Commons and Town and Village Greens. Particular experience includes:
- Advising on rights and responsibilities of respective parties in relation to bridge maintenance, highway authority and Secretary of State powers to order improvement
- Acting as sole counsel for statutory objector in 9 day rail crossing extinguishment order
- Advising on stopping up orders under section 247 TCPA
- Advising on compensation under the Highways Act for stopping up and extinguishment
- Advising local authority on Traffic Regulation Orders
- Advising London Borough local authority on parking restriction regulations
- Town and Village Green registration and deregistration, specifically advising in relation to local authority powers of appropriation for planning purposes
Jonathan has gained considerable experience in the field of injunction and committal proceedings, having assisted clients obtain a number of urgent out-of-hours injunctions to protect their land, and secure sanctions for contempt of the resultant court orders. He has particular experience in obtaining persons unknown injunctions in respect of trespass and nuisance. He also has experience acting for local planning authorities seeking relief under s.187B TCPA 1990. Particular recent examples include:
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Acting for local authority in relation to s.187B injunction for traveller injunction in the Green Belt
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Sole counsel for National Highways Limited in the High Court responding to an application by defendants to adjourn committal proceedings against them on the basis of prejudice to criminal trials. This case involved a detailed analysis of the legal principles guiding the court when considering concurrent related criminal and civil proceedings and whether one might prejudice the other. (KB-2022-004333)
- Junior counsel for HS2 Ltd in successful application for injunctive relief over the entire route.
- Junior counsel for HS2 Ltd in successful applications for injunctions in respect of activists at Euston Square Gardens (CO/361/2021), and in subsequent successful committal for contempt of court (QB/2021/4465). Also in respect of other injunctions: Cubbington and Crackley (PT-2020-BHM-000017), and Cash’s Pit (QB-2022-BHM-000044).
- Junior counsel for National Highways Ltd in successful injunction (QB-2021-3626, 3576, 3737) and committal proceedings (National Highways Ltd v Heyatawin & Ors [2021] EWHC 3078 (QB); National Highways Ltd v Buse [2021] EWHC 3404 (QB); National Highways Ltd v Springorum [2022] EWHC 205 (QB)) relating to Insulate Britain direct action protestors on UK roads.
- Advising a local authority in relation to availability of injunctive relief over land to be used in connection with infrastructure works;
- Advising private companies in industries particularly exposed to the threat of unlawful direct action protest, as to options available when protests occur;
- Jonathan also has experience advising on and representing local authorities in relation to other powers available in respect of unlawful occupation of land.
In this area, Jonathan has experience of the following:
- Advising on scope of noise abatement notices;
- Successfully prosecuting breaches of abatement notices
Public Law
Jonathan has extensive High Court and Court of Appeal experience, is very familiar with judicial review and statutory challenges, and has gained experience in a variety of public law matters, including the following:
- Acting for Natural England in the Court of Appeal in a case concerning Natural England’s powers as a statutory corporation and the principle of incidental or conducive powers ([2025] 1 WLR 2384)
- Advising local interest groups in relation to the interaction between the planning system and education obligations on local authorities
- Acting for the Secretary of State in the Court of Appeal (led by Sir James Eadie KC and Mark Westmoreland Smith KC) in relation to compensation for poultry farms affected by avian influenza, in a case concerning statutory interpretation principles and A1P1 ([2025] EWCA Civ 1585)
- Acting for National Highways Limited in the High Court responding to an application by defendants to adjourn committal proceedings against them on the basis of prejudice to criminal trials. This case involved a detailed analysis of the legal principles guiding the court when considering concurrent related criminal and civil proceedings and whether one might prejudice the other
- Advising on the relationship between faculty and secular law jurisdictions in the context of whether land is consecrated
- Advising a London borough on a proposed judicial review of market stall licensing arrangements
- Advising on the legal principles applying to applications to re-open court hearings on the basis of unfairness
- Advising prospective claimant on definition of “philosophical belief” under Equality Act 2010, and merits of litigation relating to discrimination on this basis
- Assisting Department for Work and Pensions in relation to Post Office Horizon IT public inquiry
- Prison law and human rights – the right to an oral hearing by CART tribunal
- Duty of candour in judicial review proceedings
- Enforcement proceedings and human rights
- Local government powers – Extent of devolved powers, and local government reorganisation
- Issues arising in the settlement of judicial review proceedings
- Scope of local authority schemes of delegation
- Lawfulness of closed and confidential proceedings/discussions and need for transparency in local government decision-making
- Advising on building safety and cladding in the light of the Grenfell disaster
- Advisory work on London local authority finance raising powers
Licensing
- Appearing before licensing Sub-Committees for applicants and Responsible Authorities
- Defending appeals against decisions under the Licensing Act 2003 in the Magistrates Courts on behalf of various London Boroughs
- Advice to London Borough local authority on the merits of defending Licensing Act 2003 appeals following refusal of applications
- Advisory work on controlled product licensing
- Advising on animal licensing regime, local authority powers, and primary authority arrangements
- During pupillage, Jonathan assisted Gary Grant acting for the West Midlands Police in relation to summary review proceedings for public house relating to coronavirus restriction breaches
Information law
- Interaction between legal privilege and rights of access to information under the FOI and EIR regimes
- Restrictions and limits on the sharing of information between public authorities
Public order and anti-social behaviour law
- Jonathan has gained experience in the following areas:
- Procedure under ss.77-78 CJPOA to remove unauthorised encampments
- Lawfulness of public order conditions – human rights & proportionality
- Civil anti-social behaviour orders (Closure Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Stalking Orders and Sexual Risk Orders)
- King’s College London, Theology BA (First Class Honours, top of year) (2015);
- King’s College London, Theology MA (Distinction, top of year) (2016);
- City University London, Graduate Diploma in Law (Commendation) (2017);
- BPP University Law School, Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent) (2019).
Bar Awards, Prizes & Scholarships
- Excellence Scholarship, BPP University (2018)
- Advocacy Scholarship, BPP University (2018)
- Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2018)
- Lord Haldane Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2016)
- Partial Fee Scholarship, City University (2016)
Jonathan won a number of mooting competitions during his studies, including the UKELA national mooting competition (2017); The 9-12 Bell Yard inter-varsity criminal law moot (2016): the KCL Bar Society/Wildy & Sons contract law mooting competition (2015).
University Awards & Scholarships
- Hanson Prize for the Philosophy of Religion (MA) (2016)
- Relton Prize for Christian Doctrine (MA) (2016)
- Walton Scholarship for postgraduate study, King’s College London (2015)
- Sellers Prize for Christian Theology (2015)
- Hanson Prize for Philosophy of Religion (2015)
- Mascall Prize for Christian Doctrine (2015)
- Bishop Collins Memorial Prize for Church History (2015)
Previously, Jonathan was a planning caseworker at Southwark Law Centre, where he provided pro-bono advice and representation to members of the local community in relation to planning and regeneration matters.
Before undertaking pupillage at FTB, Jonathan spent a year as judicial assistant to Lindblom L.J. in the Court of Appeal, during which time he gained experience in a variety of fields including:
- Planning and environment (Green Belt policy; Neighbourhood Development Plans procedure; Enforcement procedure and human rights; Housing Need; Consistency of Inspector’s decisions; CIL Regulations; Housing land supply; Scope of heritage asset setting; Duty to give reasons);
- Rating/Valuation (Hereditaments – occupation);
- Village Greens (Statutory Incompatibility);
- EU Public Procurement (Development agreements and VEAT notices);
- Highways (Stopping up orders and planning conditions);
- Public Law (Consultation duties);
- Civil Procedure (re-opening of final appeals; costs in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber));
- Immigration;
- Property law (service charges);
- Coronial/Inquest law (threshold for fresh inquest).
Prior to coming to the Bar, Jonathan worked for a political communications and campaigns consultancy. He has a keen sensitivity to the political dimension which is often relevant to his clients’ interests.
Planning and Environmental Bar Association
Administrative Law Bar Association
Compulsory Purchase Association
United Kingdom Environmental Law Association
National Infrastructure Planning Association
Latest from Jonathan
02
Oct' 25Legal 500 2026 Rankings
We are pleased to again be recognised as a leading set for Planning, Licensing, Valuation & Rating and Agriculture and to have received 61 individual rankings including 39 for planning.
28
Aug' 25George Mackenzie Appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel of Approved Counsel and Jonathan Welch to the C Panel
FTB is delighted to announce that George Mackenzie has been appointed to the Attorney General's B panel of approved counsel and Jonathan Welch to the C panel. The appointments take effect on 1 September 2025 for a period of five years.
24
Jul' 25High Court challenge to Approval of Plan for Abingdon Reservoir Dismissed
The High Court has dismissed a judicial review of the decision of the Secretary of State for the Environment to direct publication of the Water Resources Management Plans (“WRMP”) for Thames Water and Affinity Water. The central issue was the inclusion in those WRMPs of the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, also known as the Abingdon Reservoir.
27
Jun' 25Planning Law Survey 2025 - Counsel of Choice
Francis Taylor Building is delighted with Planning magazine’s Planning Law Survey 2025.
With sixteen silks and sixteen juniors named in the survey, Francis Taylor Building’s barristers remain counsel of choice for many.
10
Jul' 24Environmental Principles in Court: s.19 of the Environment Act 2021
On 2 July, the High Court handed down an important judgment: the first to consider s.19 of the Environment Act 2021, which requires a Minister to have due regard to the Environmental Principles Policy Statement when making policy.
07
Sep' 22Climate Change and the European Court of Human Rights: Agostinho v Portugal & Ors 39371/20
The magnitude of the issue of climate change is reflected in its ever-increasing invocation and appearance in litigation across diverse jurisdictions, and its frequent reference in legislation and administrative decisions as a material consideration.
22
Jun' 22An Introduction to ESG
ESG has become a much mused over acronym in recent years, but what does it mean? In this short post I intend to sketch a few introductory remarks with a focus on why the topic may be of interest to environmental lawyers. What follows is taken from a paper I delivered at the FTB Quarterly Environment Update Seminar in May.
Back to Barristers
"Jonathan is very intelligent, conscientious and has good judgement."
Legal 500, 2024One of the top-rated planning barristers under the age of 35
Planning magazine, Planning Law Survey 2022