RTPI Yorkshire Young Planners Steering Committee

Sean is a Chartered Town Planner sitting in the Planning Policy and Economics Team in Arup, Leeds which he joined in May 2019.

Sean has worked on a variety of projects, but his latest focus has been on major infrastructure and transport projects.

A highlight has been to work on the TransPennine Route Upgrade in a project management role where Sean has been coordinating and preparing a substantial number of plans and drawings for submission.

In addition, Sean has also been working with investors and businesses to create detailed planning appraisals of land they either own, or, are looking to acquire. Along with the appraisals Sean provides planning strategies of how to realise the potential off these sites

Alastair is the Planning Manager for Vistry Homes Yorkshire, part of the Vistry Group which was ‘Large housebuilder of the year 2021.’  

Alastair started his career at Canterbury City Council in Development Management as a Planning Officer whilst studying a masters part time in Spatial Planning from UCL. Alastair worked on a range of applications from tree works, to major developments and everything in between, including working within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral a Grade 1 Listed Building and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides enjoying working within the heritage environment, he also relished the controversial and challenging applications, being a regular attender at Planning Committee. Of particular note was Alastair’s involvement in handling Gypsy and Traveller developments.

Following completion of his masters, Alastair moved to North Norfolk where he worked as the Senior Planning Officer in the Major Projects Team. Alastair handled a range of major developments and politically sensitive proposals which expanded his expertise in master planning, strategic sites, and large scale residential developments. Besides working on major residential applications, Alastair also handled a range of care facilities and accommodation for the elderly (C2 and C3) developing a specialist knowledge. Alastair worked predominantly in Major Developments but also assisted in development management and policy regarding site allocations.

Following his time in Local Authority, Alastair moved to La Ronde Wright/Planning Places Ltd as the Principal Planning Consultant, working again on a range of projects in terms of size and complexity. Alastair was engaged in strategic site promotion and policy representations through Regulation 18 and 19 stages of various Local Plans including securing a number of sites for adopted. Alastair also oversaw and project managed a number of proposals through the development process, ranging from Paragraph 79/80 dwellings through to major residential developments on both allocated and windfall sites. Additionally Alastair became heavily involved in estate management and diversification, undertaking a number of appraisals to revitalise assets and land.  

In June 2022 Alastair Moved to Yorkshire as the Planning Manager for Vistry Yorkshire, overseeing the planning for the region for a top 10 award winning housing developer. This role involves securing planning permission on a range of sites through either full, outline or reserved matters applications as well as undertaking appraisals and advising on strategic and immediate land. Alastair is involved from site acquisition and identification through to the sale of plots.

Jamie is an Apprentice Town Planner in the Planning Policy and Economics Team in Arup, Leeds which he joined in January 2021. Jamie is currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University, working towards an MSc in Urban Planning.

Jamie has been involved with a variety of projects, most notably the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, in which he supports the stakeholder team.