Jonathan Easton KC

Year of call: 1996  | Year of silk: 2023

0345 034 3444
gsmith@kingschambers.com
Clerked by: Gary Smith, Mark Ronson
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Jonathan Easton KC practises in the areas of town and country planning, CPO, environmental law and highways law. He is ranked in the top 20 Planning KC’s by Planning Magazine in their 2023 survey.

He has extensive experience across a wide range of different developments, with a particular focus on high value residential schemes and logistics schemes. Jonathan has also represented both developers and local authorities in several Development Plan examinations.  He appears regularly in the High Court in both Judicial Review cases as well as statutory challenges. He acts for developers and local authorities on CPO matters (including compensation) at inquiry and in the Upper Tribunal. Jonathan undertakes work in the area of Town and Village Greens. He appears for both applicants and objectors at informal inquiries. He also accepts instructions from developers in Scotland in relation to renewable energy schemes.

Recent Planning Appeals

 

Successfully secured permission for Serco Ltd at public inquiry for the change of use of a development from student accommodation to asylum seeker accommodation in Stafford (2023).

Represented NYC estates at appeal against refusal of permission for 93 dwellings in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire (2023).

Successfully acted for Thornbridge Hall at public inquiry in quashing enforcement notice in landmark heritage case (2023).

Represented Blaby District Council at public inquiry regarding a proposed development for 165 homes (2022).

Successfully secured permission for Wyndthorpe Estates, following a public inquiry, for 245 homes in Wadebridge, Cornwall (2022).

Represented rule 6 party, Denham Airport, in successfully opposing an appeal against the refusal or permission for a MSA (2021).

Represented Gladman Retirement Living at appeal for permission for specialist accommodation for elderly (2021).

Successfully secured permission for Harworth Group for large scale logistics scheme following a call in inquiry in Wingates, Bolton (2021).

 

Recent Court Work

 

[2023] EWHC 688 (Admin) – Future Street Living Ltd -v- Spelthorne Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful claimant, led by Paul Tucker KC).

[2022] EWHC 445 (Admin) – Stratford on Avon DC -v- SOS & Dudfield (Jonathan acted for the claimant).

[2022] UKUT 28 (LC) – Garner & Garner v Stockport MBC (Jonathan acted for the Claimants).

[2021] UKSC 18 – Fylde Coast Farms Ltd -v- Fylde Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful Respondent).

Local Plan Examinations

 

Represented Rainier Developments at Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (2023).

Represented Wain Estates at Places for Everyone (2023).

Instructed by Stratford on Avon DC & Warwick DC on the South Warwickshire Local Plan (2023).

Instructed by Malvern Hills DC, Wychavon DC and Worcester CC on the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2023).

Represented Jelson Homes at the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

Represented a consortium of housebuilders and land promoters at the Warrington Local Plan (2022).

Represented Doncaster Council at their Local Plan, which was successfully adopted (2021).

Represented Harworth Group at Halton Local Plan (2021).

Represented Fylde Council at their Local Plan (2021).

CPO

Acted for Warren James Jewellers at a 4 day Trial in the Upper Tribunal (2023).

Acted for Redrow in relation to the Broughton Bypass (2022).

Upper Tribunal case – compensation arising out of Manchester Airport Bypass (2021).

 

 

 

 

Expertise

Jonathan practises in the areas of town and country planning, CPO, environmental law and highways law. He is ranked in the top 20 Planning KC’s by Planning Magazine in their 2023 survey.

He has extensive experience across a wide range of different developments, with a particular focus on high value residential schemes and logistics schemes. Jonathan has also represented both developers and local authorities in several Development Plan examinations.  He appears regularly in the High Court in both Judicial Review cases as well as statutory challenges. He acts for developers and local authorities on CPO matters
(including compensation) at inquiry and in the Upper Tribunal. Jonathan undertakes work in the area of Town and Village Greens. He appears for both applicants and objectors at informal inquiries. He also accepts instructions from developers in Scotland in relation to renewable energy schemes.

 

Recent Planning Appeals

 

Successfully secured permission for Serco Ltd at public inquiry for the change of use of a development from student accommodation to asylum seeker accommodation in Stafford (2023).

Represented NYC estates at appeal against refusal of permission for 93 dwellings in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire (2023).

Successfully acted for Thornbridge Hall at public inquiry in quashing enforcement notice in landmark heritage case (2023).

Represented Blaby District Council at public inquiry regarding a proposed development for 165 homes (2022).

Successfully secured permission for Wyndthorpe Estates, following a public inquiry, for 245 homes in Wadebridge, Cornwall (2022).

Represented rule 6 party, Denham Airport, in successfully opposing an appeal against the refusal or permission for a MSA (2021).

Represented Gladman Retirement Living at appeal for permission for specialist accommodation for elderly (2021).

Successfully secured permission for Harworth Group for large scale logistics scheme following a call in inquiry in Wingates, Bolton (2021).

 

Recent Court Work

 

[2023] EWHC 688 (Admin) – Future Street Living Ltd -v- Spelthorne Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful claimant, led by Paul Tucker KC).

[2022] EWHC 445 (Admin) – Stratford on Avon DC -v- SOS & Dudfield (Jonathan acted for the claimant).

[2022] UKUT 28 (LC) – Garner & Garner v Stockport MBC (Jonathan acted for the Claimants).

[2021] UKSC 18 – Fylde Coast Farms Ltd -v- Fylde Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful Respondent).

Local Plan Examinations

 

Represented Rainier Developments at Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (2023).

Represented Wain Estates at Places for Everyone (2023).

Instructed by Stratford on Avon DC & Warwick DC on the South Warwickshire Local Plan (2023).

Instructed by Malvern Hills DC, Wychavon DC and Worcester CC on the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2023).

Represented Jelson Homes at the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

Represented a consortium of housebuilders and land promoters at the Warrington Local Plan (2022).

Represented Doncaster Council at their Local Plan, which was successfully adopted (2021).

Represented Harworth Group at Halton Local Plan (2021).

Represented Fylde Council at their Local Plan (2021).

CPO

Acted for Warren James Jewellers at a 4 day Trial in the Upper Tribunal (2023).

Acted for Redrow in relation to the Broughton Bypass (2022).

Upper Tribunal case – compensation arising out of Manchester Airport Bypass (2021).

Jonathan practises in the areas of town and country planning, CPO, environmental law and highways law. He is ranked in the top 20 Planning KC’s by Planning Magazine in their 2023 survey.

He has extensive experience across a wide range of different developments, with a particular focus on high value residential schemes and logistics schemes. Jonathan has also represented both developers and local authorities in several Development Plan examinations.  He appears regularly in the High Court in both Judicial Review cases as well as statutory challenges. He acts for developers and local authorities on CPO matters
(including compensation) at inquiry and in the Upper Tribunal. Jonathan undertakes work in the area of Town and Village Greens. He appears for both applicants and objectors at informal inquiries. He also accepts instructions from developers in Scotland in relation to renewable energy schemes.

 

Recent Planning Appeals

 

Successfully secured permission for Serco Ltd at public inquiry for the change of use of a development from student accommodation to asylum seeker accommodation in Stafford (2023).

Represented NYC estates at appeal against refusal of permission for 93 dwellings in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire (2023).

Successfully acted for Thornbridge Hall at public inquiry in quashing enforcement notice in landmark heritage case (2023).

Represented Blaby District Council at public inquiry regarding a proposed development for 165 homes (2022).

Successfully secured permission for Wyndthorpe Estates, following a public inquiry, for 245 homes in Wadebridge, Cornwall (2022).

Represented rule 6 party, Denham Airport, in successfully opposing an appeal against the refusal or permission for a MSA (2021).

Represented Gladman Retirement Living at appeal for permission for specialist accommodation for elderly (2021).

Successfully secured permission for Harworth Group for large scale logistics scheme following a call in inquiry in Wingates, Bolton (2021).

 

Recent Court Work

 

[2023] EWHC 688 (Admin) – Future Street Living Ltd -v- Spelthorne Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful claimant, led by Paul Tucker KC).

[2022] EWHC 445 (Admin) – Stratford on Avon DC -v- SOS & Dudfield (Jonathan acted for the claimant).

[2022] UKUT 28 (LC) – Garner & Garner v Stockport MBC (Jonathan acted for the Claimants).

[2021] UKSC 18 – Fylde Coast Farms Ltd -v- Fylde Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful Respondent).

Local Plan Examinations

 

Represented Rainier Developments at Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (2023).

Represented Wain Estates at Places for Everyone (2023).

Instructed by Stratford on Avon DC & Warwick DC on the South Warwickshire Local Plan (2023).

Instructed by Malvern Hills DC, Wychavon DC and Worcester CC on the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2023).

Represented Jelson Homes at the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

Represented a consortium of housebuilders and land promoters at the Warrington Local Plan (2022).

Represented Doncaster Council at their Local Plan, which was successfully adopted (2021).

Represented Harworth Group at Halton Local Plan (2021).

Represented Fylde Council at their Local Plan (2021).

CPO

Acted for Warren James Jewellers at a 4 day Trial in the Upper Tribunal (2023).

Acted for Redrow in relation to the Broughton Bypass (2022).

Upper Tribunal case – compensation arising out of Manchester Airport Bypass (2021).

Jonathan practises in the areas of town and country planning, CPO, environmental law and highways law. He is ranked in the top 20 Planning KC’s by Planning Magazine in their 2023 survey.

He has extensive experience across a wide range of different developments, with a particular focus on high value residential schemes and logistics schemes. Jonathan has also represented both developers and local authorities in several Development Plan examinations.  He appears regularly in the High Court in both Judicial Review cases as well as statutory challenges. He acts for developers and local authorities on CPO matters
(including compensation) at inquiry and in the Upper Tribunal. Jonathan undertakes work in the area of Town and Village Greens. He appears for both applicants and objectors at informal inquiries. He also accepts instructions from developers in Scotland in relation to renewable energy schemes.

 

Recent Planning Appeals

 

Successfully secured permission for Serco Ltd at public inquiry for the change of use of a development from student accommodation to asylum seeker accommodation in Stafford (2023).

Represented NYC estates at appeal against refusal of permission for 93 dwellings in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire (2023).

Successfully acted for Thornbridge Hall at public inquiry in quashing enforcement notice in landmark heritage case (2023).

Represented Blaby District Council at public inquiry regarding a proposed development for 165 homes (2022).

Successfully secured permission for Wyndthorpe Estates, following a public inquiry, for 245 homes in Wadebridge, Cornwall (2022).

Represented rule 6 party, Denham Airport, in successfully opposing an appeal against the refusal or permission for a MSA (2021).

Represented Gladman Retirement Living at appeal for permission for specialist accommodation for elderly (2021).

Successfully secured permission for Harworth Group for large scale logistics scheme following a call in inquiry in Wingates, Bolton (2021).

 

Recent Court Work

 

[2023] EWHC 688 (Admin) – Future Street Living Ltd -v- Spelthorne Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful claimant, led by Paul Tucker KC).

[2022] EWHC 445 (Admin) – Stratford on Avon DC -v- SOS & Dudfield (Jonathan acted for the claimant).

[2022] UKUT 28 (LC) – Garner & Garner v Stockport MBC (Jonathan acted for the Claimants).

[2021] UKSC 18 – Fylde Coast Farms Ltd -v- Fylde Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful Respondent).

Local Plan Examinations

 

Represented Rainier Developments at Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (2023).

Represented Wain Estates at Places for Everyone (2023).

Instructed by Stratford on Avon DC & Warwick DC on the South Warwickshire Local Plan (2023).

Instructed by Malvern Hills DC, Wychavon DC and Worcester CC on the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2023).

Represented Jelson Homes at the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

Represented a consortium of housebuilders and land promoters at the Warrington Local Plan (2022).

Represented Doncaster Council at their Local Plan, which was successfully adopted (2021).

Represented Harworth Group at Halton Local Plan (2021).

Represented Fylde Council at their Local Plan (2021).

CPO

Acted for Warren James Jewellers at a 4 day Trial in the Upper Tribunal (2023).

Acted for Redrow in relation to the Broughton Bypass (2022).

Upper Tribunal case – compensation arising out of Manchester Airport Bypass (2021).

Jonathan practises in the areas of town and country planning, CPO, environmental law and highways law. He is ranked in the top 20 Planning KC’s by Planning Magazine in their 2023 survey.

He has extensive experience across a wide range of different developments, with a particular focus on high value residential schemes and logistics schemes. Jonathan has also represented both developers and local authorities in several Development Plan examinations.  He appears regularly in the High Court in both Judicial Review cases as well as statutory challenges. He acts for developers and local authorities on CPO matters
(including compensation) at inquiry and in the Upper Tribunal. Jonathan undertakes work in the area of Town and Village Greens. He appears for both applicants and objectors at informal inquiries. He also accepts instructions from developers in Scotland in relation to renewable energy schemes.

 

Recent Planning Appeals

 

Successfully secured permission for Serco Ltd at public inquiry for the change of use of a development from student accommodation to asylum seeker accommodation in Stafford (2023).

Represented NYC estates at appeal against refusal of permission for 93 dwellings in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire (2023).

Successfully acted for Thornbridge Hall at public inquiry in quashing enforcement notice in landmark heritage case (2023).

Represented Blaby District Council at public inquiry regarding a proposed development for 165 homes (2022).

Successfully secured permission for Wyndthorpe Estates, following a public inquiry, for 245 homes in Wadebridge, Cornwall (2022).

Represented rule 6 party, Denham Airport, in successfully opposing an appeal against the refusal or permission for a MSA (2021).

Represented Gladman Retirement Living at appeal for permission for specialist accommodation for elderly (2021).

Successfully secured permission for Harworth Group for large scale logistics scheme following a call in inquiry in Wingates, Bolton (2021).

 

Recent Court Work

 

[2023] EWHC 688 (Admin) – Future Street Living Ltd -v- Spelthorne Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful claimant, led by Paul Tucker KC).

[2022] EWHC 445 (Admin) – Stratford on Avon DC -v- SOS & Dudfield (Jonathan acted for the claimant).

[2022] UKUT 28 (LC) – Garner & Garner v Stockport MBC (Jonathan acted for the Claimants).

[2021] UKSC 18 – Fylde Coast Farms Ltd -v- Fylde Borough Council (Jonathan acted for the successful Respondent).

Local Plan Examinations

 

Represented Rainier Developments at Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (2023).

Represented Wain Estates at Places for Everyone (2023).

Instructed by Stratford on Avon DC & Warwick DC on the South Warwickshire Local Plan (2023).

Instructed by Malvern Hills DC, Wychavon DC and Worcester CC on the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2023).

Represented Jelson Homes at the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan (2022).

Represented a consortium of housebuilders and land promoters at the Warrington Local Plan (2022).

Represented Doncaster Council at their Local Plan, which was successfully adopted (2021).

Represented Harworth Group at Halton Local Plan (2021).

Represented Fylde Council at their Local Plan (2021).

CPO

Acted for Warren James Jewellers at a 4 day Trial in the Upper Tribunal (2023).

Acted for Redrow in relation to the Broughton Bypass (2022).

Upper Tribunal case – compensation arising out of Manchester Airport Bypass (2021).

Related News

‘A very focused and always approachable silk, who has an excellent advocacy style and the ability to put witnesses at ease.’

Legal 500 2024

"He is very strong in his advice and he gets to the point quickly."

Chambers UK 2024

'Jonathan is calm, affable, and a genuine pleasure to work with. His humour and warmth, combined with his excellent knowledge and level of client management, set him apart as a KC of choice in the north, and his advocacy style is keen, adept, charming, and disarming to witnesses being cross-examined by him.'

Legal 500 2025

"Jonathan Easton is an excellent member of any team."

Chambers UK 2025

  

Chambers UK 2025

“Jonathan Easton is an excellent member of any team.”

Legal 500 2025

 ‘Jonathan is calm, affable, and a genuine pleasure to work with. His humour and warmth, combined with his excellent knowledge and level of client management, set him apart as a KC of choice in the north, and his advocacy style is keen, adept, charming, and disarming to witnesses being cross-examined by him.’

Chambers UK 2024

“”Good with clients, easy to get on with and accessible.”

“Jonathan Easton brings a breadth of knowledge and a calm, collected approach to presenting the evidence. He is client-focused and brings a quiet authority to leading an appeal team, and is always accessible.”

“He is very strong in his advice and he gets to the point quickly.”

Chambers UK 2023

“Jonathan is a standout barrister at his level. He is very strategic and commercial and sees the bigger picture.”

“Jonathan is a superb barrister.”

“A very accomplished, consummate professional.”

Legal 500 2023

“Jonathan is personable and accessible, very thorough and has a fantastic eye for detail. He always strikes the correct balance and tone, whether in cross examination or presenting a case, whilst never leaving a stone unturned. He is also able to deal with complex issues and present them in a way that is understandable to clients and decision makers alike.”

Chambers UK 2022

“He cuts through the complexity of a case very efficiently to distil the issues that really matter and quickly identify what should be done about them.”

Chambers UK 2020

“He has a brilliant mind and a superb written style.” “He is very hands-on and responsive, always providing excellent strategic advice.”

Legal 500 2021

“Has a thorough understanding of planning law and practice, and an amazing grasp on detail. Nevertheless is easy to work with. You feel that he has got the client’s back at all times.”

Legal 500 2020

“An excellent junior planning counsel.”

Chambers UK 2020

“He’s a superb advocate who does forensic and thorough analysis.” “He is user-friendly, rolls his sleeves up and gets stuck in.” “Approachable and solutions-driven.”

Chambers UK 2019

“Focused and strategic. He has an almost unlimited capacity to absorb information. He is skilful and dogged as an advocate.” “His common-sense and pragmatic approach is much admired. He is user-friendly and good with clients.”

Legal 500 2019

“A safe pair of hands.”

Chambers UK 2018

“He is good at adapting his style to the nature of a case and is good at problem solving.” “He has a very thorough, commanding understanding of housing land supply. He is a very modern barrister in the way he does things.”

Legal 500 2018

‘Recommended for town and country planning cases.’

Chambers UK 2017

“He is a very effective advocate and really stretches the team to find all of the angles. He is very creative and innovative in his approach, and doesn’t just do what you would expect – he thinks outside the box.” “He is articulate and a good team player. He is great to kick ideas around with to reach a pragmatic solution.”

Legal 500 2017

‘Extremely efficient and easy to deal with.’

Chambers UK 2016

“Highly intellectual yet approachable, pragmatic and user-friendly. A canny and impressive individual.”

“He’s just got incredible judgement. You could describe him as a hidden gem.”

  • Warwick University (LLB, First Class)
  • European University Institute, Florence, Italy (LLM in Comparative and International Law)

  • Planning and Environmental Bar Association (PEBA)

  • Author of the Housing Chapter in Judical Review: Law and Practice (Jordans)(1st Edition)

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