Expertise
Rachel is a chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) who started work within the Central Region Strategic Land team at Bellway Homes (located within the South Midlands District), where she gained experience in town planning as well as the strategic land acquisition process.
Since becoming a planning consultant in 2017, Rachel has worked on a variety of projects ranging from large scale residential projects and high–profile estate regeneration schemes to extensive site searches and research, and small–scale site assessments for both private and public sector clients.
Rachel is currently advising on large-scale residential projects (including 100% affordable, build to rent and co-living schemes) and mixed-use developments (including on protected LSIS sites), as well as on smaller change of use, minor works and permitted development projects.
Rachel is adept at applying her comprehensive knowledge of the planning system, policy and guidance to assist the team, which is particularly useful when assessing sites for their development potential and undertaking planning appraisal work.
Rachel’s responsibilities include preparing and submitting planning applications, preparing planning appraisals, leading on daily project management tasks, as well as advising on planning strategies for a range of clients.
Outside of Newsteer, Rachel is an active member of the Women in Planning committee (London), helping to organise London-based and nation-wide events for its members.
Highlights
- Assisted with securing planning permission for 278 build to rent units to the rear of the Grade II* listed Hoover Building in Ealing
- Took an active role in securing planning permission for 169 homes in Luton and has recently submitted a revised application for 272 new homes on the same site
- Successfully secured planning permission for a range of minor works applications relating to a number of Tesco Express stores
- Heavily involved with a number of high-profile estate regeneration projects across London including a community-led ‘Co-Design’ scheme at Upper and Lower Fosters Estate, Barnet, securing a resolution to grant permission for 217 units
- Took an active role with the residential redevelopment of a number of council owned sites across Oxford on behalf of the LPA’s housing arm, Oxford City Housing Limited
- Involved with the successful appeal against the refusal of 18 dwellings in the countryside (outside of the defined settlement boundary) in Uttlesford
