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14 May 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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DWF—Stephen Webb

Partner and head of national planning team appointed

DWF has appointed Stephen Webb as partner and head of its national planning department, alongside the hires of legal director Rachael Coulsting and solicitors Francesca Dykes and Catherine Losty. Webb will be based across the firm’s Leeds and London offices.

A dual-qualified planner and solicitor, Webb joins with more than 35 years’ experience in planning and planning law. He advises developers, local authorities, investors and landowners on matters including town and country planning law, highways, compulsory purchase, judicial review and major development projects.

Webb previously held senior leadership roles at Dentons, SJ Berwin and Clyde & Co. Commenting on his appointment, he said: ‘I am delighted to be joining DWF. The firm has a strong client base, an ambitious real estate practice and provides a significant opportunity to grow its profile in the planning market.’

Melanie Williams, global head of real estate at DWF, said Webb was ‘a highly respected planning lawyer with an exceptional breadth of experience’. She added: ‘We are very pleased to welcome him and our other new planning lawyers to DWF.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper strengthens international disputes team with appointment of leading arbitration partner

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens trust and estates disputes team with new appointments

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law strengthens employment disputes and international advisory capability with senior associate appointment

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