Lester Aldridge has welcomed Victoria Charlesson as a Senior Associate in its Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team, further strengthening its planning offering as the firm is recognised among the UK’s leading planning law practices for 2026.

Victoria brings more than 12 years’ experience advising housebuilders, developers and land promoters on planning matters across the development lifecycle. She specialises in planning, infrastructure and environmental law, with a particular focus on housing-led and mixed-use development projects.

Her expertise includes strategic site promotion, planning applications, section 106 agreements, planning appeals, enforcement matters, nutrient mitigation, biodiversity net gain and infrastructure-related planning issues. Victoria also advises on electric vehicle infrastructure schemes and planning law matters affecting the education sector.

Known for her pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, Victoria works closely with clients from early planning strategy through to project delivery, helping them navigate complex planning and regulatory challenges.

Lester Aldridge Ranked Among the UK’s Leading Planning Law Firms

Victoria’s arrival comes as Lester Aldridge has again been recognised in Planning magazine’s annual Planning Law Survey, ranking 18th among the UK’s highest-rated planning law firms for 2026.

The survey is based on recommendations from planning professionals, including developers, local authorities and planning consultants, and is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence within the sector.

Matt Gilks Recognised as a Leading Planning Solicitor

The firm also celebrated individual recognition for Matt Gilks, Partner in the Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team, who was ranked 12th among the UK’s highest-rated planning solicitors in private practice.

Matt said:

“We are delighted to welcome Victoria to the team. Her experience and commercial approach will be a real asset to our clients and further strengthen our planning offering.

We are also very grateful to our clients, referrers and professional contacts who supported us in this year’s survey. These rankings reflect the strength of those relationships and the trust placed in our team.

While recognition is always appreciated, our focus remains on delivering practical, commercially focused advice and the highest levels of client service.”

The recognition reflects the strength of Lester Aldridge’s Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team, which advises developers, landowners, housebuilders and businesses on a wide range of planning and environmental matters. The team supports clients throughout the development lifecycle, from strategic land promotion and planning applications through to appeals, planning obligations and project delivery.

The Planning, Environment & Infrastructure team is also recognised in Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for its expertise advising developers, landowners, housebuilders and businesses on planning, environmental and infrastructure matters.