Edward Grant

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Edward (Ed) Grant specialises in planning law. He has a particular focus on Inquiries involving substantial housing developments including high-profile and high-impact London schemes, and regularly appears in tall building inquiries. He also has a noted expertise in complex planning enforcement matters (and was co-author of ‘Planning Enforcement’ published by Wildys).

Ed is consistently listed in the legal directories as a leading practitioner in planning law, in which he is recently described as “an astute and skillful advocate who is able to marshal a team and direct a case, focusing on the main issues and avoiding wasted avenues”, (Legal 500 2024), who “has a phenomenal memory and is very bright and switched on. He leads the case and is very proactive”, (Chambers and Partners 2024), “a brilliant Counsel; really commercial and responsive … the manner in which he conducts himself and his work and portrays his knowledge is incredible … the level of service he has provided is absolutely first-class … a very knowledgeable and client-orientated advocate” (Chambers and Partners 2023), “thorough, tenacious, and precise, his advocacy is direct, he is surgical in cross-examination, and he instils clients with confidence and trust” (Legal 500 2023), “a remarkable ability to quickly grasp complex issues” (Legal 500 2022), “a superb barrister and a superb cross-examiner” (Legal 500 2021), and “clients appreciate his down-to-earth and easygoing manner” (Chambers and Partners 2021).

Ed is a member of the Cornerstone Barristers’ pupillage committee and is a pupil supervisor.

Expertise

Planning and Environment
Ed is regularly instructed by both public and private sector clients to appear in planning inquiries, principally in relation to significant housing developments. He is recognised as a leading planning barrister in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.

Housing and other major developments
Ed is instructed by both local authorities and developers, and some examples of cases where recently instructed include:
- Hearing re proposed development of 67 dwellings in Green Belt adjacent to London Irish Rugby Club (2024)
- Inquiry re proposed retirement village in Green Belt in Sunbury-on-Thames (2024)
- Inquiry re proposed 11 storey tall building in Hammersmith comprising self-storage facility, affordable workspace, and community workspace (2024)
- Inquiry re Industry and Logistics proposal in Green Belt close to Maidenhead, proposal to demolish the existing office park buildings and to redevelop providing approx 600,000 sq ft floor space on a 13ha site (2024)
- Inquiry recovered by the Secretary of State re waste centre proposed in the Cambridgeshire countryside, to include a 26m high healthcare waste incinerator (2024)
- Hearing re proposed tall buildings scheme providing 269 co-living studio flats and co-working business floor space on allocated site in Brighton (2023)
- Inquiry re proposed provision of underground heat source network underneath proposed country Park serving urban extension in Leighton Buzzard (2023)
- Inquiry re up to 80 proposed dwellings in Green Belt on allocated site in Shepperton (2023)
- Inquiry re proposed 24 storey tower in Watford, providing offices and 247 flats (2023)
- Inquiry re proposed housing development on allotment land in West London providing 80 flats, appeal brought by Northumberland Estates, material considerations including the provision of income to fund repairs to Grade I listed Syon House on adjacent land (2023)
- Inquiry re two 16 storey towers on the Debenhams site in Staines-upon-Thames town centre, proposing retail and residential use including 226 dwellings (2023)
- Inquiry re new banqueting facility in Stanmore in Green Belt on site of Former Stanmore and Edgeware Golf Centre (2022)
- Inquiry re proposed development for 1375 dwellings on strategic site in Bury st Edmunds (2022)
- Inquiry re proposed development for 539 dwellings in 13 buildings on the site of the former British Gas Works in New Barnet (2022)
- Inquiry re proposed development for up to 40 houses on an edge-of-village greenfield site in Somerset, issues including impact on a Grade-1 heritage asset (2022)
- Inquiry re proposed development of 97 dwellings on allocated site in Bedfordshire (2022)
- Inquiry re tall building scheme proposing 206 dwellings in 15- and 13-storey towers at the Old Telephone Exchange and Former Masonic Hall in Staines town centre (2021)
- Inquiry re scheme proposing 152 new dwellings (including 52 houses) on open land in Wood Street Conservation Area adjacent to Barnet Hospital (2021)
- Inquiry for tall building residential scheme (307 apartments) on Homebase site in North Finchley town centre (2021)
- Inquiry for proposed mixed-use development comprising six blocks including offices and 146 flats opposite Twickenham Stadium (2021)
- Inquiry for proposed 15 storey landmark tall building in Hounslow town centre (2021)
- Inquiry for new crematorium in open countryside in Letchworth (2021)
- Inquiry for new care home at Homebase site in Saffron Walden (2020)
- Appeal against refusal of planning permission for new mixed use block of up to 7 storeys including 50 residential flats in Haringey (2020)
- ‘Citroen site’ in West London – mixed use development including 427 residential flats, in 5 buildings up to 18 storeys in height, call-in Inquiry (2019/2020)
- Brentford High Street 6 and 7 storey mixed use including 193 new dwellings, call-in Inquiry (2020)
- Shepperton Studios expansion (2019)
- Harrow School new sports hall call-in inquiry (2019)
- Wood Green High Street Inquiry – mixed-use scheme on Marks & Spencer site for demolition and replacement by 9 storey building including commercial floorspace and 121 residential flats (2019)
- Staines Town Centre Regeneration Inquiry – mixed use scheme for six new buildings of up to 16 storeys in height including nearly 500 residential flats (2019)
- Chiswick Curve – 32 storey landmark tall building call-in Inquiry, proposal to build the tallest building in West London (2018)
- Syon Park Inquiry – linked appeals involving new housing estate (127 units) opposite Syon Park to subside multi-million pound repairs to Syon House but at sacrifice of Capability Brown landscape, raising heritage issues of national importance (2018)
- New development of up to 49 houses in Frinton (2017)
- Clapham Park regeneration development which includes 2300 units (2017)
- New development of up to 141 dwellings in Milton Keynes (2017)
- Mixed use town centre development including 280 residential units in Ashford, Middlesex (2017)
- Mixed use development including 70 residential units in Hornsey (2017)
- New development of 300 homes in Edenbridge (2016)
- New mixed-use development including 178 homes in Croydon (2016)
- New development of 22 retirement homes in Tenterden, Ashford (2015)
- New development of 95 homes in Tottenham (2015)
- New development of 173 homes in Westergate, West Sussex (2014)
- New development of 79 homes in Fontwell, West Sussex (2014)
- New development of 268 homes in Eastergate, West Sussex (2014)
Enforcement
He is instructed by both local authorities and private sector clients in relation to complex and sensitive matters relating to planning enforcement. He is the co-author of the text book ‘Planning Enforcement‘ published by Wildys in 2015, and has been a speaker on the subject at the 2016 RTPI Legal Update Conference and the 2017 Lawyers in Local Government Conference.

Edward is also instructed in relation to planning-related prosecutions, not least because in addition to his planning expertise he is able to draw on his early years at the Bar when he specialised in crime and was one of the Attorney-General’s Panel of Advocates.

Some examples of recent instructions include:
- Inquiry representing appellant re alleged unlawful use as hotel in Camden (2024)
- Inquiry representing Liquid Leisure re use in Green Belt of existing water sports facility for Aqua Park including Ninja Warrior circuit, in Windsor (2022)
- Inquiry representing appellant re 24 serviced apartments within Central Activities Zone in Shoreditch (2021)
- Inquiry re: use of ancillary cottage as separate dwelling house in Oxfordshire (2021)
- Inquiry re: warehouse living in Haringey (2021)
- Hearing (3 days) re: use of moorings for houseboats in Windsor and Maidenhead (2020)
- Inquiry regarding unlawful warehouse residential development in protected industrial area (2018)
- Inquiry regarding unlawful industrial development of green belt land adjacent to Heathrow Airport (2018)
- Inquiry relating to deliberate concealment of unlawful residential use (2017)
- Inquiry relating to unlawful residential use where LPA allege deliberate concealment (2017)
- Inquiry relating to unlawful conversion of building to 13 self-contained flats (2017)
- Representing construction company and firm of architects prosecuted for unlawful demolition of a building in a conservation area (2016)
- Advising hotel in the Cotswolds on lawfulness of conversion to apart-hotel (2016)
- Inquiry relating to unlawful use of land within National Park for gypsy and traveller site (2016)
- Inquiry relating to unlawful use of residential land for breaking of motor cars and storage/sale of components (2016)
- Representing hotel in London prosecuted in relation to unlawful conversion to self-contained flats (2015)
- Inquiry relating to unlawful use of warehouses in protected industrial area for residential units (2014)
Interested third parties
Edward is frequently instructed to advise and represent Rule 6 third parties at Planning Inquiry. Some examples of recent cases include:
- Inquiry representing Rule 6 local residents re gypsy/traveller site in countryside in Bedfordshire (2023)
- Instructed to represent parish council at Inquiry relating to proposed gypsy/traveller site in open countryside in Northamptonshire (2020)
- Representing Parish Council at Inquiry in South Oxfordshire relating to gypsy and traveller site adjacent to a countryside village (2017-2019)
- Representing McDonald Hotels Ltd at Inquiry in Hertfordshire relating to gypsy and traveller site on Green Belt on land adjacent to a hotel (2017)
- Representing local residents at Inquiry in Sussex relating to gypsy and traveller site within South Downs National Park (2016)
- Representing local residents at Inquiry in Norfolk objecting to proposed quarry in countryside location within setting of Grade I listed church (2014)

Watching Edward's cross-examination on complex and intricate planning matters was like watching a masterclass.
Chambers UK Bar (2025)

Edward is a brilliant lawyer and he is quick to respond despite his very busy practice.
Chambers UK Bar (2025)

Ed is a pleasure to work with and is always a first choice on a case.
Legal 500 (2025)

Ed is an astute and skillful advocate who is able to marshal a team and direct a case, focusing on the main issues and avoiding wasted avenues.
Legal 500 (2024)

He has a phenomenal memory and is very bright and switched on.
Chambers UK Bar (2024)

Edward Grant is always very strong on the detail, the knowledge and commerciality.
Chambers UK Bar (2024)

The level of service he has provided is absolutely first-class.
Chambers UK Bar (2023)

The manner in which Edward conducts himself and his work, and portrays his knowledge, is incredible.
Chambers UK Bar (2023)

Edward is a brilliant counsel; really commercial and personable and responsive.
Chambers UK Bar (2023)

About Edward

Directory Quotes
“Ed is a very focused and targeted advocate who never loses sight of the client’s requirements when leading the team.” “Watching Edward’s cross-examination on complex and intricate planning matters was like watching a masterclass.” “Edward is a brilliant lawyer and he is quick to respond despite his very busy practice.” Chambers and Partners 2025

“Ed is a pleasure to work with and is always a first choice on a case. He grasps all the issues quickly and foresees any potential difficulties at an early stage. He has a superb style of advocacy – firm, thorough and leaves nothing to chance. He is very hardworking and cares about the cases he is working on.” Legal 500 2025

“He has a phenomenal memory and is very bright and switched on. He leads the case and is very proactive.” “Edward Grant is always very strong on the detail, the knowledge and commerciality.” Chambers and Partners 2024

“Ed is an astute and skillful advocate who is able to marshal a team and direct a case, focusing on the main issues and avoiding wasted avenues. He is amenable and good with clients as well as professional and focused before inspectors and able to skillfully cross examine his opponent’s witnesses. He is particularly good with complex cases including enforcement and distilling the best avenues for the team to explore.” Legal 500 2024

“The manner in which Edward conducts himself and his work, and portrays his knowledge, is incredible.” “Edward is a brilliant counsel; really commercial and personable and responsive.” “The level of service he has provided is absolutely first-class. Ed grasps the salient issues quickly and has the vision to deal with potential difficulties we may face at an early stage.” “He is a very knowledgeable and client-orientated advocate who is focused on the objectives of the clients.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“Ed is thorough, tenacious and precise. His advocacy is direct, he is surgical in cross-examination, and he instils clients with confidence and trust.” Legal 500 2023

“Edward has a remarkable ability to quickly grasp complex issues, and his attention to detail is excellent.” “Edward is a thorough, well-prepared and incisive advocate.” Chambers and Partners 2022

“He has a remarkable ability to quickly grasp complex issues, his attention to detail is excellent and he will always go the extra mile to assist.” Legal 500 2022

“He grasps complex issues very quickly.” “He is pragmatic and he goes the extra mile. Clients really appreciate his down-to-earth and easygoing manner.” Chambers and Partners 2021

“Ed is a superb barrister who is one of the strongest juniors practising in the field currently. He is superb cross examiner and also builds excellent relationships with the Judiciary. I would highly recommend him.” Legal 500 2021

“He is knowledgeable and quick to get to key issues and to provide practical, relevant advice on all scales of planning project.” “Ed is an excellent communicator, and he is hands-on and takes a sensible approach to often complex cases.” Chambers and Partners 2020

“Very thorough and an astute advocate.” The Legal 500 2020

“He is incredibly diligent and very knowledgeable and experienced. He provides excellent support and guidance throughout the appeal process and he is a very effective advocate.” Chambers and Partners 2019

“Strong and in-depth planning law advice” The Legal 500 2018

“His forensic analysis of detail stands out. He’s got a very clear mind, is able to identify the issues and can apply these strengths to cases for maximum advantage. He’s a master of the details and he’s insightful in finding weaknesses with the other side’s case.” “A tenacious cross-examiner who is able to get to the heart of the issues quickly.” Chambers and Partners 2018

“He has expertise in representing local planning authorities and developers.” Legal 500 2017

“Tenacious advocate who is incisive and able to get to the heart of the issue.” Chambers & Partners 2017

“Enjoys a strong reputation…particularly in relation to housing and planning enforcement matters…attracts praise for his adept handling of inquiries. He gives very vigorous, authoritative advice” “He is very thorough and clear in what he needs from clients and they appreciate that.” Chambers and Partners 2016

“Recommended for planning inquiries.” Legal 500 2016

“Acts for developers and local authorities on a range of matters, and has particular expertise in housing schemes. He is a highly skilled advocate, praised for his structured approach to conferences. His advocacy is thorough and well prepared…He’s a very intense and close cross-examiner of the facts”. Chambers and Partners 2015

“Incisive in cross-examination, and has a keen eye on the strengths and weaknesses of any case”. Legal 500 2015
Services
In addition to the conduct of his cases Edward frequently speaks at planning law events and provides training to clients within both the public and private sector.

Some recent examples include:
- Panellist at PEBA Conference, ‘Protecting the Green Belt’ debate (2015)
- Speaker at RTPI Legal Update Conference on ‘Planning Enforcement’ (2016)
- Officer training seminar for local authority on ‘Preparing for and Giving Evidence at Inquiries’ (2016)
- Half-day officer training seminar for local authority on Planning Enforcement (2016)
- Seminar on ‘Preparing for and Giving Evidence at Inquiries’ for national firm of planning consultants (2016)
- Speaker at Lawyers in Local Government Conference on ‘Planning Enforcement’ (2017)
Associations
- Member of Planning and Environmental Bar Association
- Member of South-Eastern Circuit
- Member of Inner Temple
Education & Qualifications
Edward (Ed) Grant was called to the Bar in 1994, having graduated from Oxford University in 1992.
Publications
- Planning Enforcement (Co-Author)07 Jul 2005
Events