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Emma Thomas

Emma Thomas is a Partner and Head of our Planning team. She has particular expertise in objecting to telecommunications planning applications.

Job role

Partner and Head of Planning

Contact number

07746 255 019

Email

ethomas@lawblacks.com

Committed to delivering the best outcome for you

Emma Thomas is a Partner and Head of our Planning team. She joined Blacks in 2025 and brings more than 20 years’ experience as a planning solicitor, having worked at regional, national, and international firms across Leeds.

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She advises housebuilders, developers, land promoters, retail and leisure operators, investment funds, local authorities, and private individuals. She offers practical, commercially focused planning advice tailored to her clients’ goals, whether she’s acting as part of a wider team or as a sole adviser.

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Her work includes strategic input on major development schemes, complex section 106 and infrastructure agreements, planning objections, enforcement and planning appeals, rights of way, and Community Infrastructure Levy issues. She also handles judicial review claims and provides due diligence support on acquisitions and corporate transactions.

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Emma has particular expertise in objecting to telecommunications planning applications, including representing clients at appeal.

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Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Emma has always been extremely diligent and responsive to queries, navigating the complexities of s106 Agreements and dealing with matters quickly and effectively. Her approach has always been confident and personable, happy to provide frequent updates where necessary.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Blacks has a great overview of most significant land deals in the area and experience of the complexities of dealing with local planning departments.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Emma Thomas - Always available, and responsive to all queries no matter how curveball!
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
They are super responsive and always offering suggestions or solutions to problems.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
We haven't worked with Blacks Solicitors yet, but we are moving work with Emma Thomas from Knights who we rate highly for planning related legal work.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Emma Thomas has always been extremely diligent and responsive to queries, navigating the complexities of s106 Agreements and dealing with matters quickly and effectively. Her approach has always been confident and personable, happy to provide frequent updates where necessary. I would certainly recommend Emma's knowledge and expertise to anyone in the sector.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Attention to detail. Experience. Can-do attitude.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
They are a safe pair of hands who work effectively and quickly to provide legal advice and strategy when needed.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Emma Thomas provides us with excellent legal advice in respect of planning matters.
Legal 500

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