Tom McPhie

Tom works with local authorities and private companies to provide an outstanding level of planning law advice.

As a member of the Top Tier Legal 500 ranked Holmes & Hills Planning Law Department, Tom works closely with developers, property owners, and local councils to draft agreements, assist in court claims, and provide specialist, tailored advice.

Tom has a wealth of experience advising clients on all areas of Planning Law with a particular specialism in Section 106 Agreements. He has also been recognised by Chambers and Partners as a 'Band 2' solicitor, after being ranked as a 'Star Associate' 3 times previously.

Tom joined Holmes & Hills’ growing Planning Law Department in Summer 2013 having previously held positions as Principal Solicitor at Colchester Borough Council and Head of Planning at another regional law firm.

Work highlights

Tom's work highlights include:

• Drafting a complex s106 agreement for a development on former agricultural land which provides for approximately 370 new dwellings with a total of over £1.5 million contributions.
• Drafting and negotiating a complex s106 agreement on a site with major heritage assets with total contributions in excess of £5million towards upgrades to infrastructure and renovation works to heritage assets.
• Successfully applying for a Certificate of Lawful Use in relation to a commercial livery business where the original application was mishandled by another agent.

Tom is based at Holmes & Hills Solicitors' regional Head Office - the A12 Commercial Hub - in Colchester (Marks Tey).