Social housing development specialist joins HCR Law as Norwich offices expands

With the government’s upcoming housing strategy expected to signal the largest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, HCR Law has welcomed social housing development specialist Melissa Starkings to the firm as a Partner.

Melissa, who has acted for housing associations, local authorities and developers on new residential development sites, will be based at the law firm’s Norwich office.

Joining alongside Melissa is Rachael Watts as Senior Associate. Rachael also specialises in social housing development.

Joint Head of Healthcare at HCR Law, Louise Crook, said: “The social and affordable housing sector is likely to become more of a focus for the industry than for many years.

“Melissa and Rachael’s knowledge and experience in this sector will be of significant benefit to our clients. Their appointments add considerable strength and depth to our residential property team as we continue to work on projects across the country.”

Frank Brumby, Partner and Head of HCR Law’s Norwich office, added: “Our Norwich office opened last November, and has already attracted top talent from the area including family lawyer Amy Walpole, corporate lawyer Nathan Muskett and property lawyers Cara Keen and Robert Pyke as Partners. We are delighted that Melissa is now joining our already strong team.”

Melissa said: “In December, Homes England, the UK government’s housing and regeneration agency, published its strategic plan for 2025-2030. Its first stated objective was to significantly increase new housing supply and accelerate housing delivery, and its second is to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.

“I am delighted to bring my knowledge and experience to HCR Law. Rachael and I, alongside our whole team, look forward to what will undoubtedly be a very busy year for this sector.”