Profile
Services
Duncan specialises in securing authorisation for major infrastructure projects, particularly in the transport and energy sectors.
He has over 12 years’ experience of obtaining consents under the Planning Act 2008 and the Transport and Works Act 1992. He is also familiar with the hybrid bill process and acted for several organisations affected by Crossrail and HS2.
He advises on all aspects of the planning process including options assessment, consultation, environmental assessment and compulsory purchase. He is experienced at leading project teams through public inquiries and DCO hearings.
""'Duncan is consistently excellent in his approach and advice.'
Chambers 2025
'Duncan is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.'
Chambers UK, 2024
'Duncan is very measured, commercial and is a good adviser.'
Chambers UK, 2024
'He's very collaborative, plans well and is a good leader.'
Chambers UK, 2024
‘Duncan O’Connor is an excellent legal advocate who will always make time to advise on issues, regardless of the scale of complexity. Duncan is also very personable and easy to work with’.
Legal 500, 2024
‘Duncan O’ Connor is very calm and measured, and that gives us great confidence as a client’.
Legal 500, 2024
‘Duncan O’ Connor is very calm and measured, and that gives us great confidence as a client’
Legal 500, 2024
Career Highlights
Energy
- Tata Steel: Port Talbot Steelworks Generating Station DCO
- Cory Energy: Riverside Energy Park DCO
- National Grid: Nemo Link interconnector (UK – Belgium)
Transport
- Transport for London: Silvertown Tunnel DCO
- Heathrow Airport: Third runway DCO
- Northumberland County Council: Re-opening of Ashington – Blyth – Tyne railway
- Transport for the West Midlands: Midland Metro extension (Wolverhampton City Centre)
- Transport for the West Midlands: Midland Metro Extension – (Birmingham Eastside)
- Transport for London: Sutton Link rapid transit
- Transport for London: Emirates Air Line Thames cable car
20 7783 3551&t_mobile=&photo=https://www.bdbpitmans.com/wp-content/uploads/Duncan-OConnor-1-scaled-440x437.jpeg){kind=link}