Robert Larque Email and Phone Number

July 2022 - present dayI am based within the Department for Transport. July 2021 - July 2022I was based in the Covid-19 team within the Department for Transport, advising on various international travel matters (including legislation) relating to the UK’s borders during the pandemic. July 2020 - July 2021I was based in the Maritime team within the Department for Transport, advising in relation to wreck/salvage issues and port security. March 2015 - July 2020I advised the Home Office in relation to a broad range of immigration judicial review challenges (in the Administrative Court and the Upper Tribunal) and statutory appeals to the Court of Appeal, with a particular specialism in cases involving unlawful detention. I also advised a different government department in relation to an ongoing public inquiry.

During my time at Hugh James, I specialised in environmental litigation as part of Hugh James’ Environment Group, which was and continues to be recognised nationally as a leading environmental practice. The Group acts for residents in communities up and down the country that are affected by various forms of environmental pollution. Given the active role I played in many private nuisance group actions, I built up solid experience in High Court and Court of Appeal litigation in this niche area of practice. I was involved in a number of high profile cases that were subject to a Group Litigation Order, recognising Hugh James as the lead solicitors for the claimants, such as the Westmill Landfill Group Litigation (Barr & Others v Biffa Waste Services Limited), the Norton Aluminium Group Litigation (Anslow & Others v Norton Aluminium Limited) and the Wildriggs Animal Rendering Site Group Litigation (Parkin & Others v Alba Proteins (Penrith) Limited).I acted as lead solicitor on behalf of over 200 households in the Lyme & Wood Landfill Group Litigation, relating to odour nuisance from a landfill site near Haydock. I also acted for over 90 households regarding odour nuisance from a landfill site near Leeds, and for over 60 households in an odour nuisance case arising from the operation of a waste management site.I also acted for residents in claims under the Land Compensation Act 1973 relating to the diminution in property value arising from the increase in noise and other physical factors as a result of public works. Having gained valuable experience working on claims against Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport, I went on to act in cases including a road widening scheme in Kent and a new bypass in Surrey.