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.
Steven Stewart is very responsive. He is very willing to look at quite novel issues and take a view on them, which is very helpful.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
He provides strong client service and commercial awareness.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Related Insights
Junior Energy In-House Lawyers Webinar Series
26/02/2025 - Online webinar
A ten-module online learning programme for junior in-house lawyers looking to increase their knowledge and skills around the different stages of an energy project lifecycle.
Burness Paull advises on the £3.6bn financing of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm
11/02/2025
Burness Paull, alongside Norton Rose Fulbright, has advised the 22-bank lending syndicate in relation to the £3.5billion financing of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
Court of Session rules on Rosebank and Jackdaw consents
The Outer House of the Court of Session has taken a notable decision on both the consent for the Rosebank oil and gas field and the consent for the Jackdaw gas field.
