NIGEL HEWITSON
PARTNER
Admitted as a solicitor: 1988
CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: 020 3026 1873
Email: nigel.hewitson@djblaw.co.uk
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Planning
Listed Buildings and Heritage Assets
Nigel is an expert in planning law and listed buildings. He co-wrote the leading authority textbook, “Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets” (6th Ed) and is a Member of the Legal Sub Panel for the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
He has advised on major planning projects including the Stonehenge/A303 Tunnel Public Inquiry and multiple public inquiries into tall buildings in London including The Shard.
He has a national reputation for his planning expertise and is an Associate Editor of Butterworth’s Planning Law and an Associate Editor of the Planning Volumes of the Encyclopedia of Forms and Precedents. He is experienced in judicial review cases for defendant public bodies and claimant developers.
Nigel featured in DJB's 2022 Market Report. Read the report here.
WORK HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights include advising:
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London Borough of Harrow Council on the leading case on CPO compensation for injurious affection to a hotel (Widtree Hotels v LB Harrow (HL)).
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English Heritage on Public Inquiries relating to the development of tall buildings in London including The Shard.
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Lafarge Tarmac on the development of land in North Kent for a proposed Paramount theme park.
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Office Estates on the development of a residential-led mixed use development in the Nine Elms Opportunity Area.
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London Thames Gateway Development Corporation on the 4km River Lee foul water storage tunnel (associated with the Thames Tideway Tunnel project).
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Co-op on a judicial review of Swindon BC decision to grant permission for an Aldi supermarket on land identified in the local plan as being for employment-generating uses.
"Nigel Hewitson is a real star. He is incredibly smart, understands local government, is fast in his response and a joy to work with. He is enormously useful to us as a local authority. He works brilliantly with officers and understands local government. He simply gets it! His work is exemplary."
Client testimonial, Legal 500 2023
"As a local authority, looking for value for money and expertise, we find Nigel Hewitson a real star. He is incredibly smart, understands local government, incredibly fast at turning stuff around and a real joy to work with. Nigel’s grasp of planning is fantastic. He works brilliantly with officers and is so personable. He is extremely talented and delivers for his clients."
Client testimonial, Legal 500 2023
"Nigel Hewitson has been a pleasure to work with and a valuable asset to our team in progressing various matters relating to complex planning issues. He has always been prompt in his responses and always accessible by email and telephone. It is clear that Nigel has a wide range of experience which he brings to the table and uses to inform helpful advice. We have received detailed and helpful advice."
Client testimonial, Legal 500 2023
"Nigel Hewitson has provided excellent support."
Legal 500 2024
‘We work with Nigel Hewitson and Stephanie Hall, their collaborative working is valued as is sound advice and innovative thinking.’
Legal 500 2025
