Simon Ricketts has established himself as one of the most respected and influential figures in the field of planning law in the United Kingdom. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has become synonymous with strategic legal advice on major developments and infrastructure projects, while also shaping public discourse through his insightful commentary on the evolving landscape of UK planning policy. His work combines exceptional legal expertise with a deep understanding of how planning decisions shape communities, infrastructure, and the economy.
Early Career and Professional Formation
Ricketts qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in the early 1990s, embarking on a path that would see him specialise in planning law—a complex and dynamic field dealing with how land is used and developed. From the outset, he demonstrated an ability to translate intricate legal frameworks into practical strategies for clients. Early roles in prominent law firms gave him exposure to major development projects and taught him how planning law interacts with local government processes and environmental regulations. This early grounding laid the foundation for his later success as a senior partner and thought leader.
Building Expertise in Planning and Environmental Law
Throughout his career, Ricketts has focused on the multifaceted challenges of planning law, including compulsory purchase orders, infrastructure development, environmental assessments, and large-scale mixed-use schemes. His deep understanding of the statutory frameworks—ranging from the Town and Country Planning Act to the complexities of environmental impact assessments—has allowed him to guide developers, local authorities, and investors through some of the most ambitious projects in the country. He is known for balancing legal precision with a practical approach that keeps projects on track while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Leadership at Town Legal LLP
In 2016, Simon Ricketts co-founded Town Legal LLP, a boutique firm dedicated exclusively to planning law. This strategic move reflected his belief that clients benefit from a specialist practice focused solely on planning and environmental issues. Under his leadership, Town Legal quickly gained recognition as a market leader, offering bespoke advice on complex projects. The firm has become a trusted advisor to major developers, local authorities, and investors seeking expert guidance on planning permissions, appeals, and legal challenges.
Town Legal’s rise mirrors Ricketts’ own reputation: innovative, focused, and highly regarded by peers and clients alike. The firm consistently earns high rankings in legal directories, and Ricketts himself has been recognised for many years as one of the most highly rated planning solicitors in the UK. His ability to lead a specialist practice while maintaining a personal, client-focused approach has set a benchmark for excellence in the legal profession.
Major Projects and High-Profile Work
Ricketts has advised on some of the most significant and complex developments in the UK. His portfolio includes large-scale mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and public spaces, as well as major infrastructure and transport projects. From new settlements and urban regeneration schemes to the expansion of airports and the retention of iconic landmarks, his work has helped shape the physical and economic landscape of modern Britain.
Among the many projects he has guided are innovative housing developments designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable communities, major research and innovation districts linked to universities, and landmark appeals that have clarified planning policy at a national level. His involvement in these projects demonstrates both his technical skill and his strategic insight into how planning decisions impact the broader economy and society.
Thought Leadership and the Simonicity Blog
Beyond his client work, Simon Ricketts is widely known for his influential writing on planning law and policy. Through his blog, Simonicity, he offers regular commentary on legislative reforms, case law, and the practical realities of planning in the UK. His analysis is both accessible and deeply informed, making it a valued resource for fellow professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of planning and development.
The blog has become a forum where legal nuance meets public debate. Ricketts often highlights how national policies, local decision-making, and environmental considerations intersect, providing readers with a clear-eyed view of the challenges and opportunities in the planning system. His ability to explain complex issues in a conversational yet authoritative style has earned him a loyal following among lawyers, planners, and developers.
Recognition and Professional Standing
Ricketts’ expertise has not gone unnoticed by his peers and the wider legal community. He has been repeatedly ranked at the top of Planning magazine’s surveys of leading solicitors and has earned senior recognition in the Chambers and Partners legal directory. These accolades reflect not only his technical knowledge but also his reputation for integrity, strategic thinking, and client service. He is regarded as a “Senior Statesperson” in the legal profession, a title that underscores both his experience and his continuing influence.
Approach to Planning Challenges
One of the hallmarks of Ricketts’ career is his pragmatic approach to the often contentious and political world of planning law. He understands that large developments require more than legal compliance—they demand careful negotiation between developers, local communities, and government authorities. His advice often extends beyond black-letter law to encompass strategy, communication, and risk management.
Ricketts is also known for anticipating the impact of emerging trends. Whether dealing with reforms to the planning system, the increasing importance of environmental sustainability, or shifts in housing policy, he helps clients prepare for change rather than simply react to it. This forward-looking perspective has made him a trusted adviser to both private and public sector clients.
Influence on Policy and Practice
Through both his legal practice and his public commentary, Simon Ricketts has had a tangible influence on the development of planning policy in the UK. His analyses often inform debates on reform, and his cases sometimes set precedents that shape how planning law is interpreted. By bridging the gap between legal theory and practical application, he has helped to clarify how planning decisions can support economic growth while respecting environmental and community needs.
Personal Style and Professional Ethos
Colleagues and clients alike describe Ricketts as approachable, insightful, and committed to the highest standards of professionalism. He combines a lawyer’s precision with the curiosity of a commentator, ensuring that his advice is both legally sound and contextually aware. His work ethic and passion for planning law inspire younger lawyers, while his measured public voice contributes to a more informed discussion of development issues across the UK.
Continuing Legacy
As the UK faces ongoing challenges in housing, infrastructure, and climate adaptation, the role of planning law has never been more critical. Simon Ricketts’ career stands as a testament to the importance of expert legal guidance in shaping the built environment. Through his leadership at Town Legal LLP and his continued thought leadership on the Simonicity blog, he remains at the forefront of debates that will define the future of development.
His legacy is not only in the projects he has helped deliver but also in the ideas he has contributed to the national conversation. For students of planning law, professionals in development, and policymakers grappling with the demands of growth and sustainability, Ricketts provides both a model of legal excellence and a source of informed, balanced analysis.
Conclusion
Simon Ricketts exemplifies the role of the modern planning lawyer: technically adept, strategically minded, and publicly engaged. From his early career through the founding of Town Legal LLP and the creation of the Simonicity blog, he has shaped how planning law is practised and understood in the UK. His influence extends beyond individual cases to the very way the profession approaches the balance between development, policy, and the public interest. As the nation continues to navigate complex questions of land use and urban growth, his voice remains one of the most authoritative and respected in the field.
