Preston Baker’s in-house planning service grows apace

'Never been a better time for landowners to realise the value of their land'

It’s been a busy year for Preston Baker Head of Planning Rob Crolla and his expanding team, as he delivers on his promise to grow the company’s planning division and now looks to expand further.

Rob, who has over 20 years of planning experience, was appointed Preston Baker’s in-house Head of Planning just a year ago, as Preston Baker looked to expand its New Homes, Land and Planning Division.

Rob is a highly experienced Chartered Town Planner who has successfully delivered numerous, complex planning consents for a wide variety of developments across the UK, for landowners, developers and operators. His previous experience includes roles with Asda, Savills, Indigo Planning and CODA Planning.

In the time since his appointment at Preston Baker, Rob has added two more people to his team: Planning Assistant Eric Bainbridge, and Graduate Planner Rosie Bircumshaw; he and his team have worked on successful planning applications across all sectors, including residential, tourism, commercial, industrial and retail, and worked on residential planning applications for 1 to 100 units.

“A particularly fulfilling part of our work is the amount our successful planning applications have brought to landowners in the value uplift in their land; getting consents through for clients is where the real job satisfaction is.”

Rob said the Preston Baker Planning team’s expertise of the planning landscape allows them to put forward informed and impactive cases.

He said there was a real lack of housing supply presently, meaning there has never been a better time for landowners to realise the value of their land.

“Releasing money from unused or unwanted land can create much-needed housing and also give individuals and families money to pursue ventures, dreams and life goals,” said Rob.

On the last year, Rob said: “It really has been a good year for us, certainly helped by the buoyant housing market in Yorkshire.

“We have really good relationships with the local authorities and have excellent knowledge of the local market, which certainly helps with planning applications.

“We don’t treat planning applications in isolation, and are always aware and mindful of the bigger picture, which allows us to get optimum outcomes.”

Rob is looking forward to the next year and plans to expand further, with the addition of at least two new team members, and to grow geographic coverage by looking for nationwide planning opportunities.

“We are well established in Yorkshire and are now looking to extend our reach and win instructions from further afield,” said Rob.

If you would like help or advice with a planning matter please contact Rob and his team on 0113 487 8787 or click on the link below.