Eversheds has strengthened its London real estate practice with the hire of planning partner David Hardy from regional firm Cobbetts, taking the number of partners in its planning practice to 11.

Hardy, who is qualified as both a barrister and a solicitor, will join from Cobbetts alongside planning associate Michelle Smith and personal assistant Michelle Brown.

He advises on planning inquiries covering residential, retail, highways and mineral schemes, with a focus on the renewable energy sector. He also specialises in advocacy at public inquiries and planning-related court work.