Christopher Lockhart-Mummery KC

Practice Summary

Christopher Lockhart-Mummery was called to the Bar in 1971, took silk in 1986, and was Head of Chambers at 4 Breams Buildings from 1993. He was head of the merged Chambers from merger until 2003. He has been a Deputy High Court Judge (planning cases) and a Recorder.

Having had wide experience in planning, compulsory purchase and compensation, parliamentary, local government and related work both at inquiries and in the courts, he now specialises exclusively in a wide range of planning work, for the private and public sectors.

Christopher is listed as a leading silk in planning in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500:

“He commands respect in the courtroom. He knows the planning legal system and how to present the arguments of a case in court inside out.” “His experience and acumen are very valuable.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“A doyen of the Planning Bar whose submissions are always well received.” “He’s a really powerful planning lawyer who can get into the nuts and bolts of cases.” “He provides quick, commercial advice.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“He quickly identifies the key issues in a dispute and brings a laser-like focus to them, not allowing himself or the team to be distracted by points that are not critical to winning the case. It is this that sets him apart from many members of the planning bar.” (Legal 500 2021)

“A doyen of the Planning Bar whose submissions are always well received.” “He’s a really powerful planning lawyer who can get into the nuts and bolts of cases.” “He provides quick, commercial advice.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“Resolute, straightforward and an excellent strategist. He is a force to be reckoned with on his feet.” “Particularly sought after for enforcement work and a guru on retail planning.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)

“His style is far less aggressive than many silks and is much more effective as a result. Most importantly, however, he has laser-like precision when it comes to framing a case. Christopher has the confidence to identify the one or two critical points that he thinks will achieve a win and to focus on them to the exclusion of the others. This shows a degree of confidence and ability that few of his competitors have.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

“He is the voice of authority.” (Legal 500 2016)

Mediation

Christopher has practised in planning and related fields throughout his career, exclusively so for some 25 years. He is a CEDR accredited Mediator and a Co-Mediator on the RICS Planning Mediation Panel. Christopher is a strong believer in the role that mediation can play in all aspects of planning–related disputes.

Neighbourhood Planning

Christopher has a particular interest and experience in neighbourhood planning. He is Chair of the RICS/RTPI/DCLG Working Party which has produced Guidance for neighbourhood plan examinations.