After more than a decade working in horticulture I studied Environmental Science at Plymouth University as a mature student. Graduating with a First-Class Honours degree, I began my planning career at Caradon District Council (now Cornwall Council), where I gained a Masters degree in Town and Country Planning and secured membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). After 11 years at Cornwall, I gained further experience across Devon and Wiltshire, largely in Principal Planner or Team Leader roles, ending up as a Team Manager for a Development Management team.

During my time in Cornwall my interest in ecology was sparked, leading to many training courses, a “Certificate in Ecological Consultancy” and ultimately, a Natural England “bat license”, which I still hold to date.

I’ve worked on a wide range of planning proposals, both urban and rural, from small-scale householder extensions, to listed building works, barn conversions, solar farms and wind turbines, and most recently, major housing schemes and commercial projects.

I’ve also defended many appeals from smaller householder proposals, to informal hearings and several public inquiries for renewable energy and major housing projects.

When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me renovating my house and garden, tucked up with a coffee and a good book, or out and about spending money on my niece and nephew.