Keith McKinney
Planning, Environmental, Energy and Regulatory Solicitor
Senior Associate
About Keith McKinney
Keith studied at the University of Liverpool and the Sorbonne, Paris, before undertaking his LPC. Keith trained at Aaron & Partners, qualified as a solicitor in November 2013, and was became an associate in August 2015.
Energy
Keith’s primary area of practice is energy and, in particular, consents for renewable energy development. Keith has acted on energy planning matters including an application for a major onshore wind farm under the Electricity Act 1989 that was determined at the Mid-Wales Conjoined Wind Farm Inquiry (reputedly the largest planning inquiry ever to have taken place in Wales), an application for a Development Consent Order for an onshore wind farm under the Planning Act 2008, planning appeals for onshore wind farms in both England and Wales, planning applications and advice for solar developments and advice in relation to a planning application and environmental permit for a biomass unit.
As well as advising on applications for planning permission for renewable energy developments, Keith also advises energy clients on regulatory matters including disputes with Ofgem and changes to legislation.
Planning
Keith also undertakes non-energy related planning work including drafting section 106 planning agreements, drafting section 278 Highways Act agreements and advising clients on planning applications and planning appeals.
Environmental
Keith’s environmental work includes advising on environmental legislation, advising clients during investigations by the regulator (including attending interviews under caution), representing clients at trial, environmental permitting (including application and challenges to revocation) and advising clients on the impact of the need for a Habitats Regulation Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment.
Taxi Licensing
Keith has developed a practice in taxi licensing, and acts for one of the largest private hire operators in the UK. Keith has advised on successful applications for new operator licences, successfully appealed a local authority’s decision to revoke a client’s operator’s licence, and provides strategic advice on dealing with local authorities, for example in relation to a knowledge test or the drafting of operator conditions, and as appropriate on the merits of judicial review.
Transport
Keith advises on road transport law and has appeared as an advocate in both the Magistrates’ Court and at Traffic Commissioners’ Public Inquiries. Keith acts for national and international hauliers as well as public service vehicle operators.
Memberships
Member of the UK Environmental Law Association.