GL Hearn planning team to grow as part of reorganisation

Planning consultancy GL Hearn is recruiting up to 10 new staff members as part of a reorganisation which will see its planning team merge with other departments into a group covering all aspects of development.

Speaking to Planning, the company’s head of planning Alistair Crowdy said that the move is a reaction to improving market conditions.

He said that the group would pull together planning, viability, affordable housing, agency and development management staff into a single unit within the business.

Crowdy said: “Our firm has had a reasonably good recession but as we grow out of the downturn we need to be more focused on delivery. At this stage of the market, our clients are keen on having access to the whole delivery model.”

The current development team of 80, including 65 planners, will grow to around 90, with a number of the new recruits possessing planning skills.

The new unit will have a focus on London, tall buildings, retail-led town centres, residential and corporate occupiers, according to Crowdy.

The firm has moved its London headquarters from Soho Square High Holborn, which Crowdy said would provide further growth opportunities.