Tom joined DPP in 2018 and became an Associate Director in 2024. He advises on a range of projects, and now primarily focuses on projects in Education and Residential.
In the Education sector he delivers applications for the redevelopment of primary and secondary schools, and new buildings for universities and colleges.
One of Tom’s notable projects was the transformation of West Coventry Academy. Tom led the team that secured full planning permission for the redevelopment, which was one of the first secondary school projects built to be net zero in operation. Tom managed the multidisciplinary team to secure planning permission within 13 weeks so that building could be ready on time.
Tom’s work in the Residential sector spans across a range of housing including; traditional housing, urban regeneration, and student accommodation. He led the team that secured consent for a 34-story residential tower in Digbeth in Birmingham. This was the largest mixed-tenure community to be delivered in Birmingham, and created 481 residential apartments, many of which were designated affordable housing.
Tom also worked on the conversion of St Chad’s House in Birmingham which transformed the Grade II listed building from empty office space into modern student accommodation.
With Tom’s extensive experience in these sectors, he effectively de-risks the planning process for his clients, identifying potential pitfalls and mitigating against them at an early stage. He helps clients overcome potential risks, so that projects are not delayed at the planning application of the scheme.
Tom is commercially astute and balances the commercial requirements of the project with the realities of the situation, and the viable framework within planning policy of the local planning authority. His strength is being able to mediate discussions with the LPA to facilitate an acceptable planning permission that is also deliverable for the client.
Outside of work, Tom has a voluntary role on the RPTI Wales executive committee. As part of this role, he offers thoughts and insights to ensure that the national objectives are aligned with the requirements of planning professionals.
