Ben Standing
Partner
Birmingham
ben.standing@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6200
Ben specialises in public, planning and environmental law for public bodies, corporate sector bodies and affordable housing providers. He is recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers as an expert in planning and environmental law. Key areas of work include large infrastructure projects, section 106 agreements and marine matters.
He has been at Browne Jacobson for over 10 years. A key part of Ben’s practice is advising on large mixed-use developments, this includes for public bodies as local planning authority, public bodies as landowner and private developers. In addition, Ben advises on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Developments of National Significance (Wales). This includes solar farms, wind farms (on- and offshore) and tidal energy.
Ben’s marine experience includes 18 months on secondment to the Marine Management Organisation. Ben’s experienced with Harbour Orders, Byelaws, Several and Regulatory Orders, Marine Licensing, the Habitats Regulations and judicial review challenges.
Ben also advises on a broad range of other issues, including rights-of-way, community infrastructure levy, environmental impact assessments and use class, contaminated land, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, governance issues, local authority constitutions and vires.
Ben has had articles published in the Times and the Planner and works closely with bodies such as Lawyers in Local Government and the UK Environmental Law Association. He is based in our Birmingham office.
Expertise
Featured experience
Redevelopment of old Copper works
Ben advised a public body on the redevelopment of an old copper works in Walsall. The site was heavily contaminated, and we advised on the risks connected with the site and on securing the necessary £30m for remediation. Funding for the remediation works was eventually secured through borrowing against future business rates, demonstrating the benefit of innovative approaches to achieving redevelopment of a large and very visible site.
Solar farm on BMV
Ben advised on and provided the advocacy for two days of hearings about a 118ha solar farm, a large proportion of which was to be constructed on best and most versatile farmland. The arguments centred on whether the loss of the land for 40 years was required for climate change mitigation, or whether solar was most appropriate as it reduces carbon emissions.
5000 home urban extension
Ben is working with a public body in connection with a 5,000 home urban extension in the West Midlands. This includes negotiation in relation to a framework section 106 agreement (as there will be multiple applications being brought forward), as well as the planning framework.
Testimonials
"Ben Standing is highly approachable and provides clear, focused advice on a range of planning matters. His advice is provided promptly, and he is a pleasure to work with."
“We know Ben Standing as Ben (Out)standing for the exemplary service he provides, automatically reaching for relevant case law to set out our options for perusal.”
“I have worked closely with Ben Standing in relation to planning matters – both complex and unusual! Ben is extremely approachable and highly knowledgeable. He deals with advice promptly and is happy to discuss matters in advance of receiving instructions – this can be really beneficial as it allows you to narrow down and focus on the most relevant issues.”
“Ben Standing always makes himself available for a discussion and advice. Ben has also supported us with temporary cover which was invaluable.”
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