Town planning is key in restoring and reshaping the British economy and in meeting environmental, social and economic challenges ahead. If successful, I would seek to maximise this potential by:
- Continuing to develop tools and techniques that equip planners to respond to emerging issues.
- Using all available platforms to highlight to members of the public and those involved in the development industry, economic sectors and public policy how the planning profession can promote positive change in 21st Century Britain.
- Encouraging a future generation of plannersby maintaining and enhancing links with Universities and continuing my commitment to mentoring colleagues.
Citation
Since joining NLP Cardiff in 2002 Simon has been instrumental in its growth from 4 to 21 staff. He won the NLP Innovation Award in 2010 for the development of the companys successful HEaDROOM framework. Simon is a key figure within NLPs national research team which will be central to the companys success in todays rapidly changing planning landscape. Simons business focus is matched by his commitment to the mentoring of junior staff and encouragement of their professional development. He is an APC co-ordinator and retains a close connection with Cardiff University where he has lectured under graduates.
Gareth Williams, MRTPI;Director,NLP
Experience and Achievements
Professional Experience
I joined Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners as a planner in 2002 and quickly developed my interest in planning strategy, the delivery of development and the role of the planning system in helping to underpin a vibrant local and national economy. I was promoted to Senior Planner in 2005 and to Associate Director in 2007. I joined the RTPI in 2005 and, as a reflection of my work on economic development issues, recently joined the Institute of Economic Development.
My work in the promotion and development of the profession through innovation is particularly evident in my having established and led NLPs response to the proposed abolition of Regional Strategies. The NLP HEaDROOM framework provides a robust and transparent basis by which the future housing requirements of a specific area can be identified. Since its introduction in September 2010, I have led the cross-office team that has undertaken over 35 studies for public and private sector clients throughout the UK. Our approach, which considers the multiplicity of factors that influence dwelling requirements, provides the detailed evidence needed to inform sound planning decisions. It has been tested at several inquiries and forms the basis for a number of emerging Core Strategies.
In addition, I have led the team that has developed responses to other changes recently introduced by the Coalition Government (New Homes Bonus Scheme) and resulting from recession (constrained viability).
I have sought to shape the professional agenda at this time of substantial change and uncertainty by creating practical and deliverable solutions to current and emerging issues, built upon the pillars of planning theory and innovation. I have employed these and other techniques in my broad portfolio of project work which includes the promotion of specific development schemes and the formulation of deliverable planning strategies. Although I have experience in all land use sectors, my specialism relates to housing and employment uses.
I work closely with public and private sector clients, other professionals involved in the development industry and colleagues. I have been responsible for mentoring 5 colleagues though the APC process. In addition, I am a regular contributor to various planning debates through appearances at conferences and seminars and the publication of articles on professional journals and online sources. These provide important opportunities to share experiences and an understanding of how the profession might continue to represent a leading light at a time of complex and conflicting challenges and issues.
Academic Experience
Having graduated from Exeter University in 2007 where in my Geography degree I developed great interest in town planning and submitted a dissertation on the role of the planning system in the development of a northern town, I completed an MSc in City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University.
Personal
Outside of work, my interests include travel particularly exploring different towns and cities and understanding how they have developed, reading, skiing and running. I have also been involved in voluntary international development work in South America.
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