North East Lincolnshire Council, 2011-2017
Programme Manager, DevelopNEL
The council established an arms-length wholly owned company to identify and develop ways to increase the supply of housing delivery in the borough. I worked as the Programme Manager, responsible for identifying and developing projects. I worked with key stakeholders including senior council officers, elected members, developers, infrastructure providers (such as schools and health services) to understand the barriers to housing delivery. I reported to the board of directors and made recommendations to the council for projects they could support.
Lead Officer for Planning
I oversaw the delivery of all planning activity carried out by the council’s development partner, Engie. This included: development of the local plan and its evidence base; development management and enforcement decisions; and representing the council at public and private meetings. The planning service was awarded Planning Authority of the Year in 2017.
I also helped the council establish a Lead Flood Risk Officer role to manage their flood risk management duties. This allowed them to effectively take on their duties as a Lead Local Flood Authority.
Environment Agency, 2006-2011
Planning Liaison Officer
I joined the Environment Agency as a junior officer, but was promoted twice to become a Principal Planning Liaison Officer. I have an appreciation of how to best represent the Environment Agency’s mandate from minor applications to major developments and strategic planning.
As a Principal Planning Liaison Officer I worked on major projects, such as the Lincolnshire Lakes Urban Extension in Scunthorpe, and the ABLE Marine Energy Park on the south Humber Bank. I also worked with South Kesteven, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire local authorities on developing their strategic evidence base and promoting the use of that evidence to inform their Sustainability Appraisals and strategic policy decisions. This included the creation of a bespoke evidence based decision tool for the application of the sequential and exception tests in areas of high flood risk in need of regeneration in Grimsby.
I also provided planning advice and support to the Humber Strategy Team and represented the Environment Agency at regional and national planning meetings affecting the Humber. I also represented the Environment Agency in its responses to Eco-towns in the Lincolnshire area.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Development Services Officer 2004-2006
I began my planning career as an administrative officer in the East Riding planning offices, and this gives me knowledge of how the system works at every level. This allows me to appreciate how council’s operate, and to develop relationships with officers and members based on a genuine understanding of their work.