EXPERTISE

Francis has varied expertise across transport and energy infrastructure consenting and operation.  He spans a number of infrastructure types including ports / marine development, airports, energy generation, urban transit, light and heavy rail, canals and roads.  In relation to infrastructure and more widely he advises on legislative drafting, government affairs / policy development and public law.  

Francis advises on consents (development consent orders, Transport and Works Act orders, harbour orders, compulsory purchase orders and local development orders) and operational matters (terms and conditions of access, operating concessions, regulatory exemptions, statutory ticketing schemes, statutory quality partnership schemes, challenges to access charges, privatisation, competition advice and sanctions compliance).  

He focuses on advice as to the powers (vires) of public bodies and the drafting of and implementation of statutory schemes.  His work includes advising the public and private sector on the powers and correct procedure of public authorities, judicial review / administrative challenge and correct consultation.  

In Parliament he has drafted legislation and briefed peers and MPs in relation to private members Bills or amendments to Government Bills as well as depositing petitions opposing hybrid Bills.   

Francis's experience icnludes:

• Advising a local authority on the promotion of an order under the Transport and Works Act and outline planning permission to authorise marine reclamation and a new bridge for 1million sq ft of marine employment and 3,500 new homes.
• Advising a local authority on the promotion of an order under the Transport and Works Act and outline planning permission to authorise marine reclamation and a new bridge for 1million sq ft of marine employment and 3,500 new homes
• Advising Port of Tilbury on their development consent order for the new Tilbury 2 ro ro and aggregate terminal on the river Thames. 
• Conducting numerous petitions in relation to the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill including the petitions of Transport for London and the Mayor of London on behalf of the Greater London Authority, Heathrow Airport Limited and the Heathrow Express Operating Company, Herts CC, Ealing BC, Quintain, Gooch Estates, Curzon, Booker, Cemex and various local authorities and property developers.  This included appearances before Select Committees in the House of Commons and House of Lords.
• Conducting numerous petitions in relation to the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill including the petitions of Transport for London and the Mayor of London on behalf of the Greater London Authority, Heathrow Airport Limited and the Heathrow Express Operating Company, Herts CC, Ealing BC, Quintain, Gooch Estates, Curzon, Booker, Cemex and various local authorities and property developers.  This included appearances before Select Committees in the House of Commons and House of Lords.