LEGAL500 FIRM PROFILE

Zyda Law advises on planning and environmental law, notably in major infrastructure projects including nuclear new build and decommissioning and waste issues, as well as gas power plants and storage, railway distribution parks and other projects.

This niche firm advises on planning and environmental law, notably in major infrastructure projects including nuclear new build and decommissioning and waste issues, as well as gas power plants and storage, railway distribution parks and other projects.

The firm: Established in 1999 to serve the needs of the nuclear industry, Zyda Law has expanded its range of services and is recognised as a national leader in planning law, with unmatched expertise in its main areas of specialism. Its founder, Paul Zyda, has enjoyed direct instructions from the nuclear industry for more than fifteen years. The firmÂ’s client base ranges from blue chip companies and government agencies to developers, as well as private individuals.

Prominent clients include the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, the Ministry of Defence, Scottish Power and INEOS Chlor. The firm is proud of its track record of success. It is dedicated to providing services of the highest quality in its legal and industry sectors of expertise. It has worked alongside leading City law firms in commercial deals and in the past year has assisted Linklaters regarding a major sale of gas assets.

Types of work undertaken: The practice assists clients in all aspects of achieving planning permission, through negotiation or appeal, by advising on the legal requirements for planning applications and appeals, including design and access statements, pre-consultation reports and drawings, the evidence to be submitted to demonstrate compliance with planning policy (local and national) and the other material considerations which may be pleaded in support.

On major infrastructure development proposals, advice is given as to the structure and scope of planning applications in addressing legal and policy (UK and European) planning requirements, including the requirements of the environmental impact assessment and, where necessary, the requirements of other regulators and the need for further statutory authorisations such as: integrated pollution prevention control, radioactive substances authorisations and hazardous substances consents.Nuclear expertise includes advising on new build, decommissioning and waste management developments in England and Scotland.

The firmÂ’s experience includes dealing with vitrification plants, intermediate level waste conditioned waste stores, low level waste disposal and storage facilities and decommissioning a redundant nuclear plant, including three reactors. The firm can address all types of regulatory issues associated with nuclear site licensing and radioactive substances authorisations and their relationship with the legislative and policy framework relevant to development of land. Advice is given regarding both the civil and military branches of the industry.

Zyda Law has advised on gas infrastructure developments of national importance, including two underground salt bed gas storage facilities, an 800MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant and CHP Plant. The firm has also advised on authorisation requirements for an ‘energy from waste’ combined heat and power plant, pursuant to the Electricity Act. Expertise is also provided in renewable energy.

Other projects handled include planning requirements in respect of two rail freight distribution parks proposed in the UK. Instructed by private equity clients, the firm has advised on the property transaction and development permits needed to acquire and develop a major rail freight distribution park in France. The firm has also advised on residential developments (market and affordable), retail developments (food and non-food), and office and leisure (including theme park and casino) developments. Zyda Law expects further expansion, including widening its utility and energy client base with regard to UK infrastructure issues.