John Bowman | Partner, Real Estate | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have a particular expertise in the various consents required for energy projects, including power projects (gas, combined heat and power (CHP), wind, biomass, nuclear, solar and coal), gas storage facilities, pipelines, gas and electricity infrastructure and refineries.  I advised on the development of one of the large CHPs in Europe, and have recently assisted a client in the making of compulsory purchase orders needed to complete a major underground infrastructure tunnel in the south east of England.  I have also been representing a number of clients who are affected by proposed development consent orders being promoted for major infrastructure projects.

I have been a named legal expert for planning and environmental law for several years in Legal 500 and Chambers UK, with Chambers UK describing me as 'greatly experienced', with 'a real eye for detail' and having 'excellent awareness of the key issues'.   I am also regularly listed in the International Who's Who of Business Lawyers for Environment.

I am qualified to practise in England and Wales.  I am a member of the UK Environmental Law Association and sit on the City of London Law Society Planning and Environment Committee.

I speak regularly at conferences and at in-house workshops on many planning and environmental topics.  Most recently, I have given papers on the use of compulsory purchase powers, changes to the planning system and the key issues faced by those promoting hydraulic fracturing (fracking) projects.  I have also written many articles, most recently on localism and compulsory purchase issues in Estates Gazette, and contributed several chapters to Climate Change: a guide to Carbon Law and Practice.

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Aerial view of a unique, multi-story apartment complex with a zigzag design, featuring many balconies and rooftops adorned with trees and greenery. The buildings have a modern architectural style and the image has a purple tint.
Real Estate
Insight

Fieldfisher's Planning and Infrastructure team roundup 2024

13.12.2024
As we wrap up 2024, our team reflects on a dynamic year in planning law. From ambitious government proposals to build 1.5 million homes and the biodiversity net gain (BNG) statutory regime coming into force to significant landmark decisions, this year has been anything but quiet in our field. Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be equally eventful with new legislation and policy revisions on the horizon. Here, we review some key topics from 2024 and what to expect in the coming year.
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Insight

Making the most of Biodiversity Net Gain

29.01.2024
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Insight

Giving Effect to BNG: Planning conditions, s106 planning agreements and conservation covenants

05.12.2023
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Insight

Biodiversity Net Gain: Key issues for developers

24.11.2023
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Insight

Biodiversity Net Gain: Local Planning Authority duties and key roles for developers

16.11.2023
This briefing is focused on what Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) can do to prepare for the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and how developers can support them as part of the planning application process.
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