Gareth is an experienced planner in a range of sectors and he leads the business as our CEO.

As a planner, he has expertise in urban living including; student accommodation, build-to-rent spaces, co-living projects, and urban residential schemes. One of his notable projects in the urban living sector is a 36-storey tower in Birmingham, which will provide around 450 new homes for a Housing Association.

Gareth’s background in the commercial sector equips him with a unique client-focused perspective. One client described him as “possibly the most commercially astute and knowledgeable planning consultant I have had the pleasure of working with.” He understands the long-term strategy of our clients and considers creative suggestions to achieve it within the planning framework.

With his personable approach to unusual projects, he is able to placate objections to proposals, particularly on sites that spark contention. Gareth builds trust and rapport with stakeholders and decision-makers to break down barriers and achieve approval for projects.

His experience in the residential sector segues into projects in residential-led regeneration. He has completed a number of complex regeneration projects, which have transformed brownfield sites in cities into bustling spaces for the local community.

Gareth’s long career has spanned many specialisms and he has achieved planning consents for projects in the energy sector (like EV charging hubs) and has delivered numerous successful applications for universities. Acting for Cardiff University, he secured planning approval for the creation of world-leading Centre for Student Life, which has upgraded the student experience with a central space for study, socialising and support.

His other clients in the education sector include the Royal College of Music and Drama, the University of South Wales, and Whitmore Highschool in Barry.

Gareth’s diverse portfolio of work takes him all around the UK and he has worked on projects from Falmouth and Dover, to Newcastle and the North. Gareth has extensive experience of the Welsh planning system, having led a number of successful applications in Wales.

This broad span of work, both geographically and within various sectors, complements his role as the CEO. He steers the strategy of the business across the UK, and has oversight of the opportunities for planning expertise in different sectors. That gives him an insightful understanding of clients’ needs and the requisite background of the challenges and possibilities on key sites.

Gareth has been appointed as an expert witness at a number of inquiries. He is relied upon by legal teams to give clear, factual evidence that assists the court. Gareth is conscientious in preparing and delivering detailed evidence on complex issues and is a confident witness in the box.