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“Chris Slater provides excellent advice on points of planning law and legal agreements.”

Legal 500

Chris is a Partner in our Planning & Environment Group. With over 26 years of experience, he specialises in all aspects of planning, including advisory work, Public Inquiry representation, and the drafting and negotiating of complex planning agreements.

Chris has a wealth of expertise in the planning and environment sectors, advising clients on a broad range of issues, from strategic planning advice to community infrastructure levy and compulsory purchase matters. His strengths lie in providing clear, pragmatic solutions for clients, particularly in negotiating section 106 planning obligations.

Over the years, Chris has worked with major housebuilders, developers, and property development promoters, and is known for his reputation in managing large-scale, mixed-use urban extension projects. Recent work includes providing advice on developments such as the East Riding of Yorkshire’s 1900-dwelling scheme and advising Homes England on a new garden village development.

Experience

Strategic planning advice for East Leeds Extension - Advised on the development of 4,500 dwellings, retail, health centres, and schools, alongside highways and section 106 negotiations for the Southern Quadrant and Red Hall, part of the East Leeds Extension.

Mixed-use regeneration project in Salford - Negotiated a complex section 106 agreement for a mixed-use development, including 93,000sqm of office space, 1000 dwellings, retail, and infrastructure on a brownfield site to boost economic regeneration.

Student accommodation development at Baltic Wharf - Provided strategic advice and negotiated a planning agreement for a major student housing development with 605 beds, including new facilities for Travis Perkins, overcoming previous planning objections.

Planning advice for large-scale residential development in the Northeast - Led planning and section 106 negotiations for a hybrid application involving 508 dwellings, new infrastructure, and 2,192 additional dwellings, school, retail, and a new metro station in a Strategic Allocation site.

Languages:

  • English

Memberships / professional associations:

  • Member of the Law Society

Awards:

  • Ranked Band 2 for Planning & Environment in Chambers & Partners (2026)

“Chris is good at dealing with local authorities. He tries to maximise benefits from the work he engages with and has got a nice style. He turns stuff around quickly after meetings, but he’s got the right bedside manner to get where he needs to in order to deal with local authorities. He’s good at telling us when we’re being unrealistic to stop us from wasting time and money. He’s got the confidence of being a specialist.”

“He’s on the non-contentious planning side – section 106 agreements. He has a very strong reputation. For non-contentious conflict I would refer clients to him.”

“He deals with the section 106s. I’ve not worked with him as closely, but he’s extremely efficient – on top of things in terms of delivering info and responding. He seems very organised and is a nice guy.”

“He is very professional and he doesn’t miss anything. He doesn’t look for silly points to take. He is really straight – very, very good.”

“Chris Slater provides excellent advice on points of planning law and legal agreements.”

Legal 500

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