We are delighted to confirm that highly experienced planning specialist Helen Marks has become a Director and member of the business’ board.
Helen will be responsible for supporting new and existing clients that are developing schemes predominantly in London and the South East. She will have a particular focus on employment-generating property projects including offices, distribution and fulfilment centres.
She joins DPP, which has offices in London, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, after a year working as a consultant to the national planning consultancy.
With more than 25 years of experience in the planning industry in both the private and public sector, Helen began her career with Dumfries & Galloway Council, followed four years with Newcastle City Council.
She then moved to CBRE in London, working on projects including the Olympic Park Project, advising the London Development Agency.
After a period as an associate planner with Llewellyn Davies she joined Lambert Hampton Smith, where she spent more than 11 years as Director (Planning) responsible for the North East and Yorkshire Planning and Development team.
Prior to joining DPP as a consultant in 2022, Helen spent almost three years with YoungsRPS where she specialised in providing planning advice on major commercial, residential and mixed-use developments. She also worked for a number of public sector clients including the Crown Estate and the Ministry of Defence.
Speaking about her appointment, Helen Marks, director of DPP Planning said:
DPP has a very strong brand reputation and a team of very talented and experienced planners. I am very proud to join the business on a permanent basis as a director having enjoyed the past year supporting colleagues and clients on a consultant basis.
The South East continues to be an important region for our clients that are either already active in the area or are looking to establish a presence with new developments. Working alongside our London team and colleagues across the country I am looking forward to helping our clients deliver schemes that create jobs and add value to the region and its economy.
Gareth Hooper, CEO of DPP Planning, added:
Helen is a highly respected planner with an enviable track record in the industry; we are delighted that she has joined DPP as a director after a successful period as a consultant to the company. Our clients have already benefited from her expertise on projects across the country, and now, with her focus on the South East, we will look to continue to increase our presence and activity in the region.
