Knights expands planning team in Portsmouth

Knights has expanded its national planning team with the appointment of Bernard Ralph as partner in Portsmouth.

Bringing over 20 years’ experience in the UK and Australia, Bernard advises on all aspects of the planning process, including complex applications, appeals, enforcement and litigation. 

His clients span residential and commercial developers, aviation and leisure operators and public bodies.

Bernard is particularly known for resolving aviation objections to wind farms and negotiating bespoke section 106 agreements. 

He said: “I’m excited to have joined Knights, who are the standout regional professional services firm nationally. 

“The business is on a rapid and ambitious growth journey, but what stood out to me is the firm’s clear commitment to serving the needs of its clients nationally through its regional markets.

“The firm’s unique one team approach and national scale, combined with its strong local presence on the South coast, provides a brilliant platform to deliver excellent service for clients. 

“I am already seeing the benefit of working as part of such a talented team.”

He joins Knights’ multi-disciplinary planning team, working alongside lawyers and chartered town planners on complex development and regeneration projects.

Ellen Lambert, client services director at Knights, added: “It’s brilliant to have Bernard onboard. 

“He’s an expert in his field and brings a significant amount of experience to bolster our growing planning team, which is fantastic for our clients and colleagues as we strive to deliver the very best legal advice.

“This is a really exciting time to be joining the business as we look towards further growth, not just in the South East but nationwide. 

“Bernard has really hit the ground running, and we’re excited to be welcoming yet more top professionals to our teams across the country in the weeks and months to come.”

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