Mark Harnett

I have been advising clients for over 30 years and joined Fladgate from Essex County Council more than 20 years ago. Planning has been in a state of constant change since I was a trainee solicitor, as has the expectation of clients. I make sure that I really understand what my clients are trying to achieve, what their priorities are and how they like to work (some clients prefer to read everything, others next to nothing). I draw on my experience in both the public sector and in private practice to give advice that is user friendly, commercial and practicable. My clients range from large house builders and commercial developers to private clients and public institutions.

When I am not working I like to get outdoors. That generally tends to be for a game of 5-a-side or squash but when I can I head to the mountains to hike or ski and build the (very occasional) snow hole. All helps to prepare for Glastonbury.

• Advised Hodson Developments on planning applications, associated s106 and other infrastructure agreements for the development of 5,750 houses at Chilmington Green near Ashford.
• Advised Cheshunt Lakeside on a planning application and s106 agreement for the re-development of the former Tesco’s Head Office in Cheshunt to provide a residential-led mixed-use development including basement parking; up to 1,853 apartments; up to 19,051 sq m commercial floorspace including business, retail, community and leisure use; a two form entry primary school and a new local centre plaza.
• Advised Music Walk of Fame Limited (MWF) on its application to the London Borough of Camden for permission to install a “Hollywood style” walk of fame along the public highway in Camden and on the associated regulatory agreements with the London Borough of Camden and Transport for London.
• Advised the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea on a planning application submitted by Chelsfield for planning permission and listed building consent for the refurbishment and alteration of the Commonwealth Institute and residential development in the grounds . The residential development helped to fund the refurbishment of the Institute building prior to its occupation by the Design Museum.
• Advised a very high profile private individual on a successful planning application for a basement extension beneath his Grade II* listed house. The planning application involved extensive excavation works in a very sensitive location as the works are also in close proximity to the a Grade I listed building.