Since joining Chambers in 2014, Alexander has developed a busy practice at the planning and local government bar. In addition to environmental, licensing and TVG work, he has developed a particular focus on planning matters.

Recent cases which he has been involved in across a broad range of planning areas include:

·       Housing appeals. Alexander has appeared (as sole and junior counsel) at numerous housing inquiries since joining Chambers. Most recently, he acted (as junior to Suzanne Ornsby QC) for the local planning authority in a significant appeal in South Gloucestershire which, amongst other matters, considered the approach to the application of presumption in favour of sustainable development where the LPA is relying upon local housing need to demonstrate that it has a five year supply.   

·       Local plan work. Alexander has gained considerable experience (as both sole and junior counsel) in promoting and objecting to local plans, and the associated issues, including SA and HRA, which typically arise. He is currently advising (as junior to James Pereira QC) the Conservator’s of Epping Forest on their objection to the HRA for the Epping Forest Local Plan. He has also been instructed (as junior to Hereward Phillpot QC) to promote the Oxfordshire Plan.

·       Waste planning. Acting for Buckinghamshire County Council in an appeal against its decision to refuse planning permission for a strategic waste complex in the Green Belt.

·       Enforcement. Acting for the London Borough of Bexley in linked enforcement and section 78 appeals regarding the use of redundant industrial buildings as live / work units. Alexander has also been involved (as Junior to Saira Kabir Sheikh QC) in a number of interesting hotel/hostel enforcement appeals, both for and against Westminster City Council.

·       Retail. Acting (as junior to Suzanne Ornsby QC) for the local planning authority at the inquiry into the proposed extension of the Mall at Cribbs Causeway which was called in by the Secretary of State.

·       Judicial Review / statutory appeals. Alexander has experience acting for both claimants and defendants in the Planning Court. Reported cases include: acting for the successful defendant in R (Flint) v South Gloucestershire Council [2017] JPL 310, which concerned a challenge to the grant of an LDC for a shooting school; and acting (as junior to Gregory Jones QC) for a rule 6 party who successfully quashed the grant of planning permission for a materials recycling facility in Wiltshire Waste Alliance v SSCLG [2018] Env LR 33.   

Alexander welcomes instructions to act individually or as part of a team across all of Chambers' areas of practice.