We are delighted to confirm that highly experienced planning consultant David Smith has become a Director and member of the business’ Board.
Based out of the Leeds office, David will support DPP’s growing presence in Leeds and the Yorkshire Region, supporting a strong client list and an expanding pipeline of projects.
He will also have a focus on DPP’s activities in the urban living market, advising on projects in areas such as Build to Rent, student accommodation and co-living.
David joins DPP, which also has offices in London, Cardiff, Manchester, and Newcastle, from WSP’s Leeds office, where he was an Associate Director. He has around two decades’ experience in leading town planning consultancies in England, Ireland and Australia.
With a strong track record in the student housing sector, both for purpose-built developments and conversions and extensions of existing properties, including listed buildings, David has also supported a cross section of clients in the Leeds and Yorkshire area, including YPP, Harrogate Town Football Club and the University of Leeds.
Throughout his career he has worked in both the private and public sector, with his first role at the Irish Planning Appeals Board, followed by an Assistant Planner role at Ballymun Regeneration Limited in Dublin.
After a short period in Sydney, Australia, David returned to Ireland with John Spain Associates, before joining Indigo, which had offices in London and Leeds. Indigo was subsequently acquired by WSP where David became Associate Director based at its Leeds office.
Speaking about his appointment, David Smith, Director at DPP Planning, said:
DPP has an excellent reputation with a team of accomplished planning specialists that is delivering some high quality projects, both here in Leeds, but also across the UK. Joining an independent planning consultancy with national coverage is really attractive to me, having worked for a similar type of business in the past. Becoming a director also enables me to have an influence on the growth of the business alongside a very dynamic leadership team.
Gareth Hooper, CEO at DPP Planning, said:
Attracting David to DPP, following on from the recent recruitment of Helen Marks as a Director, demonstrates the increasing prominence the business is taking in the planning industry. He is well-known in the Leeds and Yorkshire market and will bring additional experience to our team as we build relationships with clients through the delivery of exceptional planning advice.
