Carter Jonas has launched a new office in Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill, Kent, marking its first presence in the county.

The office is a part of the firm's ongoing expansion strategy and will initially accommodate ten experts from across Carter Jonas’ Infrastructure and Energy and Planning and Development teams, as well as colleagues from its Rural offering, supporting existing client mandates in the region. 

Steven Drennan, a partner in Carter Jonas’ Infrastructure team, will lead the office. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, Drennan has played a central role in strengthening the firm’s compulsory purchase and compensation practice, acting on behalf of acquiring authorities and infrastructure clients across the South East.

Philip Scott, who has more than 34 years of town planning experience, has joined Carter Jonas as a partner to head its Kent-based Planning and Development offer. Scott has advised on various major development projects, including residential and mixed-use schemes, commercial, industrial, logistics, energy, transport, and port-related development. Before Carter Jonas, Scott was head of planning at land promoter Obsidian Strategic and held senior positions at AECOM, CBRE, and BNP Paribas.

Richard Bruce, Chief Executive of Carter Jonas, said: 
"We are extremely pleased to be expanding our presence in the region by establishing a new Kent office to provide additional coverage to clients across the county, as well as Sussex and Surrey. 

“Our activity in the South East has increased considerably over the past five years, and we are currently supporting projects with key clients, including National Grid, Southern Water, Axis Land Partnerships, Environment Agency, Homes England, National Highways, Medway Council and Kent County Council. This launch is a great endorsement of our team and our ability to deliver strategic, considered advice and services across the country.

"As we continue to strengthen our business in Kent, we will draw on the expertise of Steven and Philip and that of the wider team based here. Their collective knowledge and regional network will contribute considerably to the growth of our brand and our ability to harness the significant opportunities in the market."