Town Planner joins H&H Bowe as they launch specialist planning service
Neil Henderson, a Chartered Town Planner with over 20 years experience has joined H&H Bowe in Carlisle. His move from the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to private practice, marks a new chapter for H&H Bowe, boosting their presence on the planning stage as they launch their specialist Planning Service.
Rural businesses have changed dramatically over the last five years, with development focusing on agricultural expansion, diversification or growth into more commercial ventures. H&H Bowe’s growth has mirrored these changes and a specialist Planning Service has evolved. They are now facing a significant increase in demand for urban related enquiries – from residential and commercial property to tourism and land fill - something that naturally led them to recruit Neil Henderson to join the team.
Neil Henderson spent almost a decade with the LDNPA before joining H&H Bowe. He fully understands the complexities of local policy and planning law and brings with him, expert knowledge of LDNP planning policies and procedures. Some would say that Neil has "jumped the fence" but he is reluctant to be known as poacher turned game keeper - though it is true that Neil knows what the Authorities expect from developers - and what they are likely to find unacceptable.
Familiar with the Scottish system, Neil studied for his Planning Masters in Edinburgh and subsequently worked as a Planning Officer for the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government). Already Neil’s solid understanding of Scottish planning policy is attracting business from the Scottish Borders and in South West Scotland.
It was the chance to combine all his skills that attracted Neil to the new post - and the prospect of being part of a new venture "It is a rare and fantastic opportunity to be given the chance to be involved in the growth of the Planning Service. The team at H&H Bowe is forward thinking and this service is a natural progression of the business. We can now provide a comprehensive planning service to rural businesses and take advantage of the growing demand for urban planning support."
In the last decade, planning policy has become increasingly complex and now takes longer to administer. Much of the extra workload is a result of the 2004 Planning and there is now a definite demand for more specialist planning professionals.
Julie Liddle, a Director of H&H Bowe said "We found the right person in Neil, to fill the Chartered Town Planner role. It is his rounded experience and expertise that makes him a valuable asset to clients needing planning support both sides of the border. Neil is already being presented with some interesting and challenging cases - just what we had all hoped for."
