Director

I am a Director and Co-founder at Hybrid Planning & Development, an East-London based planning consultancy specialising in urban, mixed-use development. My co-director, Claire Day and I set up the business to offer a fresh perspective and strong female voice in a very male-dominated sector. We pride ourselves on being a planning consultancy that’s enjoyable to work with and for, and have grown to a team of 13. Our work is nationwide and includes residential, commercial, heritage and high-rise schemes. We were proud to be Highly Commended in the 2021 RTPI London Planning Excellence Awards, meaning we’re one of the top two private planning consultancies in the Capital.  

My goal is always to make places better, encouraging regeneration and re-use so that towns and cities can go from being a negative contributor to an asset. Obviously, this benefits those who live and work in these environments, but I try to go further than this and encourage communities to be proactive in the development of their local area. At Hybrid, we operate a dedicated system of public consultation events to ensure local people can comment on and shape their neighbourhood. I also volunteer with Planning Aid England, community action groups and local charities to help the public confidently engage with the planning process.

I’m keen to share my career path with the next generation as proof that a successful planning role doesn’t have to be defined by academics. At Hybrid, we have regular work experience students and interns; support RTPI Young Planners; ran career workshops for local charity, the Jason Roberts Foundation; and I’m just confirming a new partnership with Hertford Regional College to offer work placements/apprenticeships. Lastly, as a female business owner, I’m keen to champion young women and we have sponsored two female race kart drivers since 2018.