Lester Aldridge has recently welcomed Matt Gilks as a Senior Associate in the Planning & Environment team, based at the law firm’s Southampton office.
Matt (pictured) is a highly experienced and planning and environment solicitor who specialises in planning transactions, applications, appeals and judicial reviews. He advises on a huge range of planning and environmental law matters ranging from application strategy, enforcement, NSIP infrastructure, and community infrastructure levy all the way to planning obligations, biodiversity net gain, as well as specialist areas such as minerals, waste, hazardous substances and heritage development.
Matt works on both town and country planning, with a particular focus on rural and urban diversification, regeneration and bespoke business and residential development. He has previously worked as a barrister in the Government Legal Service where he advised the Secretary of State, as well as working at several international law firms in London.
Speaking of his appointment, Matt said: 'I’m excited to be embarking on this new challenge as a key part of a large, dedicated real estate team.
'Lester Aldridge’s strengths across the real estate, development and private client sectors enable me to continue to provide specialist knowledge and offer value for our varied client base.'
Tom Alder, Partner and Head of Real Estate Southampton, commented: 'I am delighted to welcome Matt, his arrival is a fantastic addition to our market-leading real estate team. His significant experience in the planning sector bolsters the team’s existing expertise and specialist knowledge that we can use to provide our clients with the very best service.'
