Tetra Tech has appointed Joanne Halton, former head of planning at Rural Solutions, as its new planning director to support clients with the increasing number of self-build homes and bespoke developments across the South West
Joanne Halton has 17 years of experience in rural and urban planning and recently contributed to the Bacon Review surrounding the promotion of custom and self-built housing as a way to increase supply and build in a more sustainable way.
She will be responsible for leading the team’s rural business, focusing particularly on the self-build market following the £150m government fund established in April, as more people look to move to the country and create their dream home.
Elsewhere, Halton is a long-term member of RTPI and has been involved in its mentoring scheme for 10 years.
‘Bringing specific experience to Tetra Tech’s existing portfolio of planning experts’
Halton commented: “I’ve been following the trajectory of Tetra Tech’s planning team ever since it was WYG and I’ve always been impressed by the variety of disciplines and projects they’ve gained permission on.
“Joining the Wellington office means I still get the benefits of working for a smaller, immediate team, but with the wider support and opportunities provided by a large organisation.
“I’m very much looking forward to bringing my specific experience to Tetra Tech’s existing portfolio of planning experts.”
Halton’s appointment is the latest strategic move for Tetra Tech’s planning team, which supports applications for public and private sector clients in a variety of sectors, using its network of 20 offices across the UK and Ireland.
The firm has recently undergone a hiring spree, with Halton being one of eight new appointments over the past two months, including Laura Black as a principal planner in Southampton and Natalie Wilson as senior planner in Milton Keynes.
‘Rise in self-builds and custom developments’
Nick Stafford, head of planning at Tetra Tech said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on building trends.
“With Government backing the rise in self-builds and custom developments, we were keen to bolster our senior expertise so we can continue to support clients and our wider business strategy.
“Joanne has a stellar track record of leading planning approvals for unique builds in both rural and urban environments, and I, along with the rest of our team, welcome her to Tetra Tech.”
