Mr Mitchell, who graduated in law from the University of Edinburgh has moved from Shepherd & Wedderburn in Edinburgh where he was previously senior associate in its planning and environmental group.

He has acted for public bodies and private developers in connection with all aspects of planning and development, including providing clients with strategic advice on planning applications and appeals, the negotiation of planning agreements, and advising on roads issues and compulsory purchase procedure and compensation. He has also sat on the Scottish Property Federation Planning and Development Committee.

Mr Mitchell’s recruitment to Shoosmiths comes at a significant time for the Scottish planning system with the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, that will make further provision for how land is developed and used in Scotland.

Steve Dougherty, partner and head of real estate for Shoosmiths in Scotland, said: “Fraser is a highly regarded planning lawyer whose breadth of specialist knowledge, including of Scotland’s planning system and latest legislation will be invaluable to our expanding client base of volume house-builders, developers, property funds, student housing and affordable housing providers and commercial developers.

“I warmly welcome Fraser to our growing real estate team where I am confident he will quickly make a positive contribution to clients and as one of our specialist planning lawyers throughout the UK.”