Infrastructure & Energy

Mark Hall-Digweed heads the Infrastructures department, where he has developed the team to deliver project management, land agency and property consultancy services to utility, public sector bodies and civil engineering organisations. The team is very successful and has grown to attract large clients such as Network Rail. Mark was also appointed in 2010 to lead Carter Jonas’s cross divisional Public Sector Group, where he is responsible for developing clients with complex multi-faceted requirements.

Marks primary skills include multiple site management, high level negotiation and dispute resolution, programme management and the implementation of new systems, estate management, as well as compulsory purchase and compensation work. He has high levels of experience in all of the above.

Charles is a Partner, based in Yorkshire but who operates on a National basis across the country. He heads the Carter Jonas Energy and Marine Team which deals with a wide range of energy projects including wind, solar PV, hydro power, anaerobic digestion plants, biomass plants, peak power generators, clean coal, oil and gas, coal bed methane and energy storage projects.

The services provided in the energy sector include site referencing and transmission matters, site search and evaluation, feasibility studies, financial modelling, planning applications and site consents, landowner support and site promotion, due diligence, valuations, finance, site acquisitions and disposals, power brokerage, wayleave negotiations and feedstock procurement.

The Marine team manage a significant coastal portfolio around England through leases, licences, easements and consents. Activities within the area are varied and cover a wide range of issues such as port developments, marinas, moorings, jetties, cable and pipeline river crossings, outfalls and regulating and conservation leases and stakeholder liaison.

Outside of work, Charles is keen cricketer who also tries to maintain a handicap in golf and enjoys country pursuits.

Andy deals with all aspects of measured survey including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and flood risk assessment. He has extensive experience of drones and satellite technology for land classification and planning operations.

Mark is part of the infrastructures team and his principal role is advising on compulsory purchase, compensation and valuation. He acts for claimants, who’s residential, commercial, agricultural or development property is affected by compulsory purchase, and also for acquiring authorities promoting compulsory purchase orders, land assembly and the acquisition of rights over land.

Mark has advised on compulsory purchase and valuation since starting practicing as a surveyor in 2006 and has represented significant clients on schemes including the Northern Line Extension, Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, A21 Dualling and the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade. Other than compulsory purchase his professional background is in rural surveying and agricultural property valuation, and he is a RICS Registered Valuer and a Fellow and examiner for the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Simon has over 13 years of professional expertise advising both acquiring authorities and claimants from the public and private sectors across transport, infrastructure and regeneration schemes. Clients include Network Rail, Transport for London and Buckinghamshire County Council.

For those promoting powers, Simon has significant experience in all aspects including formulation, referencing production of CPO documents, objection management, and implementation of powers and negotiating claims. He is leading land and property teams on a number of significant projects across the country including East-West Rail Phase 2, AVTM Metrobus and Havering Housing Zone.

Simon has experience in valuation, claim negotiation and drafting scheme objections He has given evidence at CPO Inquiries and Hearings and has prepared expert evidence for the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). Simon is a member of both the Compulsory Purchase Association and the National Infrastructure Planning Association and an RICS Registered Valuer.

Steven Drennan is based in our Chapel Place office in London and is a Partner in the Rural team.

Ben’s role is providing land assembly services for infrastructure and regeneration projects, either through private treaty negotiations or if necessary through Compulsory Purchase Powers. He assists acquiring authorities promote and implement Compulsory Purchase Orders, including negotiating claims with affected parties whilst assisting authorities create and maintain realistic property cost estimates.

Ben qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in November 2013 following past roles as a Compulsory Purchase Surveyor as well as working in property management and as a commercial agent. He has therefore gained a wide breadth of experience, but his specific expertise is in compulsory purchase and compensation.