Ashurst Morris Crisp veteran head of planning Michael Cunliffe is leaving the firm after nearly twenty years in the latest change of staff at the leading City firm's property practice.
Cunliffe is to join West End property firm Forsters as a partner.
Cunliffe joined Ashursts from London Borough of Camden in 1983 and was made a partner in 1987. He has worked on some high profile projects including Paddington Basin, London City Airport and Butler's Wharf by Tower Bridge.
A dominant character within the planning group, Cunliffe has a solid client base including British Gas, Kvaerner and Frogmore.
Forsters opened in 1998 with twelve partners – eleven from Frere Cholmeley Bishoff. The firm has built its reputation on private client and property work.
The commercial division of the property group headed by partner Smita Edwards handles development work and was recently instructed by Chester City Council on the redevelopment of Chester City centre. However, it is not known as a leading firm in the field of planning.
Ashursts' property department has had a string of assistants and partners leave over the past 18 months, including most recently partners Guy Wheatcroft and Charles Leach.
However, the firm last November moved to bring in fresh blood with the appointment of Hammond Suddards Edge's London managing partner Gary Watson.