Steven is a director in our Planning & Environment team and leads our environmental practice.

He has experience in both contentious and non-contentious planning and infrastructure matters, advising both public and private clients. He regularly provides advice to clients on climate change and carbon law, environmental permitting and licences, environmental impact assessment, nature conservation and biodiversity, environmental liability, contaminated land, hazardous substances/waste management and utilities.

He has particular expertise in the energy and infrastructure sector where he has acted on a number of projects advising on consenting strategies for renewables projects and electricity connections. Steven’s contentious background allows him to provide advice where clients are seeking to be represented at planning appeals/inquiries, judicial review proceedings, Lands Tribunal compensation claims and actions in the Sheriff Court.

Steven is a member of our ESG Strategy Group focusing on how we can support clients on key environmental issues and opportunities arising from new Environmental, Social and Governance responsibilities.

Steven is ranked by Chambers & Partners in Environment and was recognised by Financier Worldwide as a Distinguished Adviser in ESG in 2024. He is also a member of the North Sea Transition Authority’s ESG Taskforce and the Scottish Property Federation’s Sustainability and Design Committee, which focuses on encouraging a better understanding of the impact of climate change on the built environment; accelerating the transition to net zero in the real estate sector; and promoting biodiversity; as well as supporting the Scottish Property Federation’s sustainability related advocacy work.

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