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' primary focus is on consents for major infrastructure (development consent orders, Transport and Works Act orders, harbour orders, compulsory purchase orders and local development orders) and the associated issues of environmental and habitats assessment, correct consultation and optioneering. He also advises on all aspects of conventional planning, including local plans and planning obligations.

Following consent, Francis advises on operational matters for the relevant infrastructure (for example: terms and conditions of access, operating concessions, regulatory exemptions, byelaws, permitted development, statutory schemes, challenges to access charges, privatisation, competition advice and sanctions compliance). 

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.

Experience
  • Advising Heathrow Airport Limited on its third runway expansion proposals, including advice on development consent, leading policy and promotion agreement negotiations with HM Government, leading on all noise issues and future operation regime, including airspace change.
  • 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 on numerous development consent orders for promoters, local authorities and affected parties, including Tilbury 2, A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement, A428, Able Marine Energy Park, NuGen Nuclear Power station, Woodside Link.
  • Promoting numerous Transport and Works Act Orders to authorise light rail, tram and local transport schemes, including Nottingham Express Transit, Docklands Light Railway, London Cable Car and London Underground Northern Line Extension.
  • 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. 
Education
  • LLB (Hons) Law with European Law, University of Nottingham, 1999
Languages
  • French good command
Testimonials

Leading Individual – Infrastructure (Parliamentary)

Legal 500 2022

Francis Tyrrell is a very switched on and knowledgeable young partner who is definitely going places 

Legal 500 2021

An excellent and safe pair of hands  

Legal 500 2021