Welsh join forces for property deal

Cyril Dixon reports

SOLICITORS at Llanelli Borough Council in South Wales called in Cardiff firm Edwards Geldard to advise on a £20 million town centre property development.

Borough solicitor Lynne Davies was supported by a team from the firm headed by partners Huw Williams and Rowland Davies.

Llanelli was negotiating with Monarch Properties and Redrow Commercial Developments over the 7.5-acre shopping mall and superstore site.

Edwards Geldard's role in the deal involved advising on a number of compulsory purchase orders and preparing the council's case at public inquiry.

Although the firm has no specific local government unit, it claims a strong record in public sector, planning and environmental work. As many as 10 lawyers were involved in the job at times.

Williams said: "Having to go through a full public inquiry places a heavy burden on a project.

"It was further complicated by a relatively difficult land assembly which involved a former gas works site with contaminated land implications.

"However, we are able to call on a considerable depth of experience in public sector work. I am pleased that the issues have been resolved favourably."