Eversheds has strengthened its London real estate practice with the hire of planning partner David Hardy from regional firm Cobbetts, taking the number of partners in its planning practice to 11.

Hardy, who is qualified as both a barrister and a solicitor, will join from Cobbetts alongside planning associate Michelle Smith and personal assistant Michelle Brown.

He advises on planning inquiries covering residential, retail, highways and mineral schemes, with a focus on the renewable energy sector. He also specialises in advocacy at public inquiries and planning-related court work.

Smith, meanwhile, has experience advising on planning and enforcement appeals as well as negotiating complex infrastructure agreements.

Eversheds planning head Stuart Andrews commented: "The planning team at Eversheds advises all of the top 10 UK-based housebuilders, mixed-use developers, retailers, investment funds, regeneration bodies and the Homes and Communities Agency. David and his team are an excellent addition to our existing team."

Hardy added: "We look forward to building upon the firm's client base as the real estate market picks up."

Eversheds' most recent UK partner hires include project finance and infrastructure partner Howard Barrie from SNR Denton, who joined the firm in early May.