Planning law solicitors can expect 'interesting times' in the next year owing to new legislation aimed at simplifying the process - but they must look into their crystal balls if they want to succeed, a leader in the field has advised.

Tim Hellier, a partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), spoke after the firm was rated number one for the seventh year running by 160 planning lawyers and consultants responding to Planning magazine's annual survey.

Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) partner Stephen Ashworth retained his title of best individual solicitor for the second year.

DWS also kept a grip on its number two position in the league of firms, followed by Herbert Smith - which soared eight places - and Leeds niche firm Wilbraham & Co, which dropped one place to come in fourth.

CMS Cameron McKenna jumped six places to reach fifth.

Lovells' Michael Gallimore, rated second in the solicitors' table, climbed two places on last year; he was followed by SJ Berwin's Simon Ricketts and Cameron McKenna's Tony Kitson, with BLP's Mr Hellier taking fifth place.

Solicitors anticipated a 12% upsurge in work over the next year, partly owing to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, which was passed earlier this month with the aim of simplifying and speeding up the system.

Some 19% of respondents said planning gain would be the main driver, followed by compulsory purchase (16%), and environmental assessment and planning appeals/inquiries (both 15%).

Fees remained static, with partners in the capital earning between 240 and 335 per hour, and lawyers outside London bringing in between 120 and 250.

Mr Hellier said: 'In the short term, the profession faces interesting times because this is a major overhaul of the system.

Some developers may hold back to see how it beds down, but for most of our clients it is business as usual.'

Paula Rohan