Susan Bridge FRTPI is a distinguished planning professional and the Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for 2023. A Fellow of the Institute (FRTPI), she has held high-profile leadership roles including Chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees and Chair of the Global Planners Network. With over 40 years of experience across the public and private sectors- ranging from Head of Planning for a large borough council to working for a major national housebuilder - Susan is currently an independent planning consultant. During her presidency, she was a vocal advocate for planner well-being, launching the institute’s first legal and mental health helplines, and she continues to lead the "Education for Everyone" review to shape future professional standards. 

Christopher is a highly experienced Chartered Town Planner and local government leader currently serving as the Senior Devolution Lead for Planning Policy, Strategic Growth, and Housing at Bolsover District Council.

With a career rooted in strategic spatial planning, McKinney is best known for his leadership in the development and successful adoption of the Bolsover District Local Plan. His expertise lies in navigating the complexities of housing delivery, infrastructure planning, and the legal frameworks of the UK planning system.

Megan Wilson MRTPI CIHCM is a Planning Director at Marrons and a prominent leader in the East Midlands planning community. She currently serves as the Junior Vice Chair of the RTPI East Midlands Regional Management Board and is the Incoming Vice Chair for 2026. A recipient of the RTPI President’s Special Award 2025, Megan is recognised for her dedication to promoting the profession and supporting early-career planners, having recently stepped down as Chair of the regional Young Planners Committee. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in strategic land and major residential developments, frequently appearing as an expert witness at local plan examinations and appeals. 

Chrissy Farrer MRTPI is a highly accomplished Chartered Town Planner with over 25 years of experience across both the public and private sectors. Currently serving as an Associate at Planning and Design Group (UK) Ltd (P&DG), she is also the 2026 Chair of the RTPI East Midlands Regional Management Board and Regional Activities Committee. Throughout her career, Chrissy has led on major complex projects, including the National Football Centre at St George’s Park, and has extensive expertise in development management, residential, and commercial schemes. Known for her analytical approach and ability to navigate intricate planning issues, she is a dedicated advocate for high-quality, sustainable placemaking and professional excellence within the planning sector. 

Steve Kemp MRTPI is a chartered town planner and the head of OpenPlan, a plan-making and placemaking studio with a unique operational focus spanning the East Midlands and the West Indies. With extensive experience in the field, he serves as a judge for the RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence and represents the region on the Royal Town Planning Institute's Nations and Regions Panel. Based in Lincoln, Steve is particularly dedicated to applying spatial planning to build resilience against climate change and advocates for international knowledge sharing to enhance effective planning practices.

Stephen Pointer MRTPI is the Team Manager for Planning Policy at Nottinghamshire County Council, with over 35 years of experience in the profession. A Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), he specialises in strategic planning, minerals and waste matters, and developer contributions for essential infrastructure. Stephen has a long-standing commitment to professional standards, serving as a regular judge for the RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence. His expertise spans the review of Local Plans and the management of multifaceted projects aimed at delivering sustainable growth across Nottinghamshire. 

Dharmista Patel MRTPI is the Design Review Panel Manager at Design:Midlands, where she leads the promotion of high-quality design across the region. A Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI), she brings a wealth of experience in development management, conservation, and urban design. Dharmista is a core member of the RTPI East Midlands Regional Activities Committee, contributing her expertise to the recognition of planning excellence. Her work focuses on delivering timely design interventions and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that new developments are both sustainable and aesthetically distinguished. 

Leila Hatami is an experienced urban and regional planner currently serving as a Senior Planning Officer for Bassetlaw District Council. A Licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), she has over 11 years of expertise in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments across the public and private sectors. Leila is passionate about the interdisciplinary nature of planning, bridging the gap between community values, strategic policy, and high-quality development. With a strong background in analytical thinking and problem-solving, she is dedicated to creating resilient places that balance modern development needs with the aspirations of the people who inhabit them.

Rajlaxmi Gaware MRTPI is an award-winning urban planner and architect currently serving as a planner for Bassetlaw District Council. Named the RTPI Yorkshire Young Planner of the Year 2024 and the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) 2025 Winner, she is a recognized leader in sustainable development and placemaking. A Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Rajlaxmi actively shapes the profession through her roles on the RTPI International Committee and as an EDI Change Champion. With a diverse background spanning public and private sectors, she is a dedicated advocate for high-quality design and inclusive growth in the built environment.

Jessica Herritty MRTPI is an Associate Director at Turley and a prominent leader in the planning profession, immediate past Chair of the RTPI East Midlands Regional Management Board. A former RTPI Young Planner of the Year, Jessica now sits on the RTPI General Assembly, where she helps shape national planning policy and professional standards. With extensive experience in large-scale residential and mixed-use developments, she is also the Co-Chair of the East Midlands Women in Planning Committee. Jessica is a dedicated advocate for high-quality placemaking and has served as a judge for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for several years.

Davidsons Homes are a family owned and managed company with over three generations of experience, knowledge and success in homebuilding. For over fifty years they have been committed to uniting people across the Midlands with beautifully designed properties that they can truly call their own. It is this commitment, along with their unwavering dedication to quality, that has afforded Davidsons Homes an unrivalled reputation as one of the country’s leading housebuilders and place makers. By choosing Davidsons Homes, you’re choosing a company that has family at its core.