Duncan O'Connor

Partner

Duncan is an infrastructure planning specialist.

He advises public and private sector promoters on securing planning consents for major projects, particularly under the Planning Act and Transport and Works Act.

Duncan provides strategic and technical advice on all aspects of the planning process, including environmental impact assessment, compulsory acquisition, order drafting and negotiating agreements with affected parties. He leads large teams of specialist lawyers to guide clients through the planning process, including representing them at hearings and inquiries.

Duncan’s focus is the transport sector and railway projects. With over 15 years’ experience, he has advised on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the UK – including East West Rail, Heathrow third runway and the Silvertown Tunnel.

Jurisdiction : England & Wales

Experience

East West Rail: Since 2022, advising East West Railway Co on the development of the new c. £5bn railway to be constructed between Oxford and Cambridge – after HS2, the largest rail project in the UK.
TransPennine Route Upgrade: Assisted Network Rail in securing a Transport and Works Act Order for the Leeds to Micklefield section of the TransPennine upgrade – a major, multi-billion-pound programme of railway improvements.
Heathrow Third Runway: Advised Heathrow Airport on the preparation of the application for development consent for the third runway. Led on the surface access strategy for the airport expansion project, including advising on proposals for rail and road links to the airport.
Silvertown Tunnel: Advised Transport for London on obtaining a development consent order for the new £1.2bn road tunnel beneath the Thames in east London.

London

+44 (0)7484516081

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Duncan O'Connor is a stand-out partner … very knowledgeable in his field and highly responsive in picking up and progressing workstreams and working to tight deadlines.

Legal 500 - Rail