12 May 2026
DWF strengthens national planning team with appointment of partner and three new lawyers
"DWF appoints Stephen Webb as partner and head of its national planning team, alongside legal director Rachael Coulsting and solicitors Francesca Dykes and Catherine Losty to strengthen its planning practice."
Stephen Webb joins DWF as partner and head of the national planning team. He is dual qualified as a planner and solicitor and brings over 35 years' experience in planning and planning law. His background spans roles as both a planning officer and a solicitor, advising developers, local authorities, investors, landowners and individuals on a wide range of planning matters. His practice covers town and country planning law, highways, compulsory purchase, Transport and Works Act Orders, judicial review and major development projects, and he has advised on a number of high‑profile and complex developments. Stephen has held senior leadership roles at Dentons, SJ Berwin and Clyde & Co, has chaired the City of London Law Society Planning and Environmental Law Committee and is a full member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. He will be based at DWF’s Leeds and London offices.
Rachael Coulsting joins DWF as legal director in Birmingham and forms part of the firm’s planning team. She joins from Shakespeare Martineau and has previously held roles at Shoosmiths and Eversheds Sutherland.
Francesca Dykes and Catherine Losty have joined DWF as solicitors in the firm’s London and Belfast offices, respectively, and will work within the planning team.