As a planning director based across our Newcastle and Leeds offices, James leads a team of planners to deliver a range of allocations and consents on mixed-use development sites. Having worked on a diverse range of projects and various market sectors over the last 25 years, he’s built up a strong, eclectic network of clients, local authority contacts, and co-consultants. His work includes urban extensions, town center and regeneration schemes, utilities, energy infrastructure, new schools and colleges, and hospitals. He also provides respected expert witness advice at inquiries and public examinations.
One of James’ favorite projects as a town planner involved the redevelopment of Gateshead asylum, also known as St Mary’s Hospital at Stannington, for Bellway Homes—retaining the registered gardens and airing courts, community reuse renovations to the chapel, and a gastro pub in the former superintendent’s house. He’s also worked on renewable energy production facilities, from numerous solar farm proposals, battery storage, and onshore wind farms to facilities using waste to create energy.
Outside of work, James enjoys reading crime thrillers, walking on Northumberland’s beaches most weeks with the family cocker spaniel, and following his beloved football and cricket teams passionately all year round.