South East CPD day : Shaping better places - (Guildford / hybrid)

Chris is an Associate Professor of Spatial Planning at the University of Reading. He is a chartered planner and started his career as a planning policy officer in English local government, following a PhD at the University of Sheffield. His research interests focus on issues of professionalism, decision-making and multi-scalar plan-making. He joined Real Estate & Planning in August 2019 as a Lecturer in Planning, with research interests in plan-making and professionalism.

Chris previously worked at Anglia Ruskin University and as a Planning Policy Officer for Bassetlaw District Council. Prior to this, he studied for his PhD at the University of Sheffield. His PhD draws on different ways in which the ‘public interest’ can be understood, and how these variations are present in plan-making. The fieldwork explored case studies of spatial plan-making in Central Lincolnshire and the Peak District National Park, using multiple qualitative methods. At the core of Chris’ research interests is understanding the relationship between normative theories of planning and the practice environment; both how planning theory should shape practice and how practice should influence the development of theory.

Riaan is a Chartered Planner and Principal Planning Policy Officer at Guildford Borough Council (GBC). He has been with GBC since 2017 where he supported the progression of both parts of the Local Plan to adoption. Prior to that, he led a team of policy planners at the City of Cape Town after moving from his role as Associate at MCA, a planning consultancy in Cape Town. Riaan is particularly committed helping achieve development that enables sustainable travel choices. He also takes a keen interest in advancing planning’s contribution to improving health and well-being outcomes.

Tony Chadwick has been involved in the Institute at local level since 1980 having served on both the former South East Branch (including as Chair and Honorary Secretary) and the current South East Region RAC. Over the years he has made major contributions to developing CPD policy and the operation of Planning Aid in the South East, as well as helping organise many CPD events over the years. He currently works for Gravesham Borough Council dealing with NSIP projects like Lower Thames Crossing and transport matters in general, based on experience with HS1 and widening the A2. Bulk of his experience has been in Planning Policy.

Nissa is a chartered planner and digital transformation leader specialising in the application of data, technology and AI within planning and the built environment. Over the past decade, she has worked across public, private and third sectors to modernise planning systems, driving more responsive and user-centred approaches. Her work focuses on embedding digital capability into planning and development processes to enable faster, more transparent decision-making. She is particularly interested in strengthening the evidence base for place-making and ensuring outcomes reflect community needs. Nissa is committed to advancing a more effective, inclusive planning system that unlocks delivery and improves outcomes for people and place

 Shelly is a planner specialising in skills and digital capability, with over 20 years' experience across development management, planning policy and major site delivery. She has worked at PAS since 2020, supporting local authorities on development management, performance, local plan production, planning reform, environmental assessment and housing. She also helped develop Pathways to Planning, a graduate scheme to widen the talent pool of local authority planners. Shelly is national co-chair of Women in Planning, championing equality and diversity in the profession, and is a regular commentator on local government resourcing as @HouseyRousey.

Jon Herbert BSc (Hons) DipTP MRTPI is a Director with Troy Planning + Design.  With close to 30 years' experience in the consultancy sector he has built up a portfolio of projects that spans strategic planning, local plans and policy research, neighbourhood plans, masterplans and development frameworks.  Jon has been a member of various design review panels and brings to his work excellent knowledge of the planning process with sensitivity to design and placemaking matters.  He contributed to and was a member of the TCPA 20-minute neighbourhood coalition.  Recent projects include the Victoria Neighbourhood Plan in central London, urban capacity and spatial growth strategies.

Charlotte is a Director within Turley’s Heritage, Townscape and Landscape team with twenty years’ experience in design and landscape planning.  With experience in landscape appraisals, impact assessment, grey belt appraisals and landscape expert witness for planning appeals, Charlotte applies evidence based, landscape led principles to new development. 
 
Charlotte’s critical and strategic thinking has been applied across a range of projects, whereby Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been used as a tool to inform placemaking, resulting in responsive, high quality design. 
 
With an enthusiasm for community engagement, Charlotte advocates a collaborative approach with communities, statutory consultees, and councils. 

Ewa is a Chartered Architect, property investor, and developer with over 18 years of experience. Ewa specializes in securing planning permissions for intricate urban infill property developments and is the mastermind behind the Planning Hub.

Simon Mabey is a digital pioneer with 30+ years in the AECD industry, blending creativity and tech. From early 3D modeling and verified photomontages to shaping government BIM adoption, Simon has always pushed boundaries. At Arup, Simon led a digital team for 14 years, turning data into smarter cities. With a Master's in Smart Cities and multiple innovation awards, Simon brings vision, expertise, and a passion for inclusively and playfully transforming the planning process into something more enjoyable.
    

Jane Sidell is Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England, and is an archaeologist by training and inclination. She has been with Historic England and formerly English Heritage for over 25 years, undertaking casework primarily in London. Her role is all about conservation of our heritage, above and below ground, understanding our past and bringing those stories to as wide an audience as possible.

Maurice is a member of both the Scottish and English Bars with over 30 years’ experience.  In Scotland, he is a member of Terra Firma Chambers and in London he is a barrister with Thomas More Chambers, specialising in Planning work which includes presentation at public inquiries for both developers and objectors, statutory appeals and judicial review.  Maurice has been consistently ranked Band 1 and Tier 1 for Town and Country Planning in successive editions of Chambers UK Bar Directory and the Legal 500.  The most recent edition of The Legal 500 (2026) stated: “Maurice has exceptional knowledge of planning law and renewable energy cases.”

Henry Russell lectures in the historic environment at Reading University. He is a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Building’s casework committee, co-chair of the Heritage Alliance’s Spatial Planning Advocacy Group and a membership assessor for the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. He served on the Church of England’s Church Buildings Council and was Chair of Gloucester Diocesan Advisory Committee. He runs short courses for heritage professionals at the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. He was an author of BS7913 The Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings in 2013. He has been a member of government working groups drafting heritage planning secondary legislation and guidance.

Alison Cummings has been Principal Heritage Officer with Dover District Council since 2015. With over 20 years experience in local government, much of it in development management, she developed a particular interest in medieval timber-framed and rural buildings before moving into planning policy, where she has contributed to the Dover District Local Plan and the Archaeology in Dover SPD, and led on various conservation area appraisals.  Alison has a long-standing interest in historic paint and decorative interiors and working on the Maison Dieu has been a career highlight during her time at Dover.

Clare Parry was called to the Bar in 2005 and is a leading junior in planning and public law, practising at Cornerstone Barristers, and with extensive experience of planning inquiries, local plans, and high court proceedings. Clare represents local authorities, developers, and private clients across the range of planning law with expertise in residential development, minerals, planning enforcement, and infrastructure matters. Clare has acted on Heritage matters throughout her career, particularly relating to impacts on heritage assets and world heritage sites

Claire Tester is a chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) with an MSc in Town Planning.  She has 36 years of experience working in the public sector, including 26 years in local government planning in Hampshire and Sussex.  

In 2016 she moved into the protected landscapes world, reflecting her love for the countryside, its wildlife and habitats and its landscape history.  She advised the High Weald National Landscape Partnership for 6 years and provided planning support to other protected landscapes and represented them in national discussions. 

In 2022 Claire joined the South Downs National Park Authority and is now the Head of Strategic Planning, leading on the review of the South Downs Local Plan and the Minerals and Waste Plans produced with partners across Sussex and Hampshire.  Increasingly now she is also representing the National Park in devolution meetings as the area gears up to preparing Spatial Development Strategies

She is a volunteer for the RTPI, sitting on the English Policy Committee advising the RTPI on responses to the Government’s planning reforms.  In 2024 she joined with colleagues to set up a support network for women working in planning in the area, now part of the national body as Women in Planning Sussex.

Claire was honoured to be included on the RTPI The Planner Magazine ‘Woman of Influence 2026’ list.