Direct Access Barrister

Gavin Charles Collett

After service in the Forces, Gavin practiced in London before moving to Devon in 1995. He has established himself as the pre-eminent local specialist in matters of planning law and highways law. He has an honorary fellowship from Exeter University (2011 onwards) and also sits on the CLA LPPR Committee.

The mainstay of his practice is all aspects of planning law, highways law and rights of way. Gavin heads the Magdalen Chambers Planning team and has become extremely sought after for his presentation skills in Public Inquiries and his detailed cross examination especially of professional witnesses. He has been described as approachable, down to earth and understandable by his clients; and as; “A man that can get results.”

Area of Law

Local Government

Highways Law - all aspects including challenging a Traffic Order successfully.
All forms of Public and Private rights of way. Cases have involved; extinguishment; diversion and creation.

Planning and Environmental

Most recently a Local Plan Inquiry; which, for the first time, embedded a Design Code within the emerging Local Plan.
All aspects of renewable energy both for and against such development.

What sort of work do I do?

Planning all aspects but especially renewable energy; Local Plans; Enforcement and agricultural developments.
All aspects of Highway Law and Rights of way both public and private.

Who do I work for?

Gavin acts for numerous local authorities as well as developers and private individuals and Rule 6 Parties. He also regularly appears against leading Counsel both in London and on various Circuits especially in the West Country.

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