L B & Co Ltd is a specialist planning and highway law practice based in Leeds, Yorkshire, distinguished by its focus on complex development projects and deep expertise in public and regulatory law. Headed by solicitors Carolyn Lord and Kate Butterfield, who have collaborated since 1988, the firm brings over 50 years of combined experience in planning, highways, and related legal areas, with backgrounds in private practice, local government, and in-house development sectors.
The firm is renowned for its strategic, detail-oriented approach to managing large-scale or challenging projects, particularly those involving legal complexities in planning and highways. Their methodology emphasizes persistent troubleshooting, team coordination, and relationship-building with stakeholders. They serve a diverse clientele including national and local housebuilders, developers, SMEs, charities, heritage organizations, and public sector bodies, often acting as specialist advisors to other law firms and planning consultancies.
Services Offered
- Planning applications and related development strategy
- Environmental Impact Assessment advice
- Implementation of planning permissions
- Drafting and interpretation of planning conditions
- Applications for Lawful Development Certificates
- Planning appeals (written representations, hearings, public inquiries)
- Judicial review of planning decisions
- Advice on enforcement matters
- Support on property transactions
- Highway law and rights of way advice and documentation
- Drafting and advising on Section 106 Agreements
- Drafting and advising on infrastructure agreements (Sections 38 and 278)
- Traffic Regulation Orders
- Development plan representations
- Neighbourhood Plan procedure
- Community engagement strategies
- Specialist team building
- Compulsory Purchase Orders advice
- Transport and Works Act Orders advice
- Town and Village Green and Commons Act 2006 legal issues
- Advice on listed buildings and conservation areas
- Protection of heritage assets
- Objections to Compulsory Purchase Orders
- Advising on rail freight facilities
- Retail and leisure project planning
- Residential and mixed-use development schemes
- Conversion of listed buildings
- Enabling development advice
- Public inquiry representation
The firm operates nationally with a strong regional presence in Yorkshire and has been involved in landmark projects such as the Temple District regeneration in Leeds, Clay Cross Town Centre regeneration, and Thorpe Park Leeds. Both principals are consistently ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, reflecting their standing as leading planning law specialists.
