Business Details
23 Years
experience
Planning Law Services by Richard Max
We were a specialist law firm dedicated to planning law, combining technical excellence with a commercial focus to deliver strategic legal solutions. Our team brought extensive experience from both developer and local authority perspectives, navigating complex planning systems to help clients achieve their project goals. With a client-centric approach, we prioritised proactive service and collaboration with professional advisors to streamline processes. Founded in 2003, our expertise spanned high-profile developments across England and Wales, including stadiums, residential schemes, and heritage projects.We specialised in judicial reviews, planning appeals, S106 agreements, and environmental impact assessments, while maintaining a commitment to transparency and practical problem-solving. Our partners, Richard Max and David Warman, now practise at Keystone Law, continuing to offer planning law expertise. We maintained a reputation for technical proficiency and client-focused service throughout our operation.
Services
Planning Applications
Judicial Reviews
S106 Agreements
Planning Appeals
Environmental Impact Assessments
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We specialised exclusively in planning law with decades of combined experience
- Our team advised on high-profile developments including stadiums and residential schemes
- We provided strategic legal solutions for both developers and local authorities
- Our partners have trained at leading law firms and held key planning roles
- We maintained a client-focused approach with proactive case management
What people say
Expert planning knowledge
Proactive case management
Commercial approach
Deep system understanding
Services
Planning Applications
We provided comprehensive review and strategic advice on planning applications prior to submission. Our expertise included managing the entire application process, directing technical experts, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Clients benefited from our deep understanding of both developer and local authority perspectives.
Judicial Reviews
We specialised in bringing and defending claims for judicial review in the High Court. Our proactive approach helped clients minimise challenge risks while ensuring robust representation. This service was critical for complex developments facing statutory challenges or procedural disputes.
S106 Agreements
We negotiated and drafted Section 106 agreements and other planning obligations. Our focus was achieving balanced agreements that satisfied both developers and local authorities. This included handling complex negotiations for major residential and commercial schemes.
Planning Appeals
We represented clients at planning appeals, including major public inquiries. Our experience included securing permissions for contentious developments through effective evidence presentation and legal argumentation. This service covered all stages from preparation to inquiry representation.
Environmental Assessments
We provided specialist advice on Environmental Impact Assessments, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Our service included coordinating technical experts, preparing assessment reports, and addressing mitigation measures for large-scale developments.
People
Richard Max
Partner
Planning law specialist with experience at Macfarlanes and Oxford City Council. Led planning teams at DJ Freeman and Olswang before founding Richard Max & Co in 2003. Now practising at Keystone Law.
David Warman
Partner
Qualified solicitor with experience at Clarke Willmott and London Borough of Southwark. Joined Richard Max & Co in 2003 and became partner in 2008. Specialises in complex planning matters at Keystone Law.
Questions
Is Richard Max & Co Solicitors still operating?
No, the firm closed in 2023. Partners now practise at Keystone Law.
What planning law services did they offer?
Specialised in applications, appeals, judicial reviews, S106 agreements, and environmental assessments.
Who were the key partners?
Richard Max and David Warman, both with extensive planning law experience.
How can former clients access records?
Contact Keystone Law via phone or email for file transfers and document requests.
What areas did they cover?
Primarily England and Wales, handling major developments nationwide.
