Hugh James has announced the arrival of Partner Alex Madden to the new role of Head of Planning and Environmental. Alex will be based in the UK-law firm’s Cardiff office.
Formerly Head of Planning and Environmental at Thrings Solicitors in Bristol, Alex has more than 20 years’ experience across contentious and non-contentious planning matters covering residential development, retail and leisure, agricultural development, waste planning, and renewables. Alex’s practice extends across the private and public sector, advising clients such as major UK housebuilders, developers, joint ventures, corporate occupiers, investors, landowners, tenants, and financial institutions.
With Alex’s leadership across planning and environmental, the firm plans to grow the team over the next 12 months, as outlined in its 2022-27 strategy. Alex arrival will bolster the firm’s energy and agriculture client services and compliment the well-established property and real estate teams.
Ioan Prydderch, Divisional Director and Partner at Hugh James, commented:
“I am thrilled to welcome our new Partner Alex Madden to head up our Planning and Environmental work at Hugh James. Planning and environmental issues play a crucial role in all major developments, and we know from our existing clients that sound advice on these areas is in high demand across the public and private sector. Alex is an out-and-out specialist in this area. His arrival is fantastic news for the evolution of our business division and expanding the high-quality service we deliver our clients.”
Alex Madden added:
“Hugh James has a well-established reputation in Property and Construction and there is an increasing demand for environmental and planning advice from the firm’s clients. Establishing a dedicated team to deliver this was the natural step to take and I am thrilled to take on my new role. Joining a well-established firm that emphasises the importance of its positive culture and exceptional work was also a major draw for me and so was the firm’s ambition to grow the practice further across the UK. Now, more than ever, the planning and environmental agenda is at the forefront of all development, and I am eager to add my experience and knowledge to the team.”
Alex is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 directories. He is an active member of UKELA* and SAHCA*, and he serves on the Southeast Wales branch of the CLA* committee. Alex is a sought-after speaker on planning and environmental topics at national conferences organised by leading industry bodies such as the NFU*, CLA, BIAC*, and RICS*. He is a Solicitor-Advocate with higher rights of audience in the Civil Courts, a Legal Associate of the RTPI*, and a Fellow of BIAC.
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*
- UKELA – UK Environment Law Association
- SAHCA – The Solicitors’ Association of High Courts Advocates
- CLA – Civil Legal Advice
- NFU – National Farmers Union
- BIAC – British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
- RICS – Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
- RTPI – Royal Town Planning Institute
