I graduated in Town Planning from Manchester University in 1979, and then gained more than ten years of experience as a planner and manager in local authority planning departments in Policy, Research and Development Control/Management. During this period I gained a Masters degree in Leisure and Recreation Studies. After joining the University in 1990, I taught on postgraduate and undergraduate planning courses and undertook a range of roles including course leader of the MA Town Planning course, the undergraduate Planning programme and the Urban Studies programme. I was Planning Subject Leader between 2001 and 2004.
Current post
I am currently a part-time visiting lecturer in the Department of Design, Creative and Digital Industries. I am also an Honorary Fellow of the University
I was Head of the Department of Planning and Transport between 2011 and 2015, following a period of five years as Head of the Department of Urban Development and Regeneration. The Department comprised 25 academic staff and offered postgraduate courses, research, consultancy and training in Air Transport, Housing Policy, Logistics, Planning, Urban Design, Transport and Urban Design. Many of the staff were actively engaged in consultancy and research.
External Activities
2012 - Chair of RTPI/University of Newcastle Partnership Board
2008 - 2012 Chair of RTPI/University of Cardiff Partnership Board
2005 - 2014 Member of National Planning Forum
2003 - 2012 Member of the Advisory Group for the RTPI Development Management Network
2002 - 2009 - Member of Steering Group for Planning Inspectorates Tomorrows Planners Initiative
1986 - MRTPI membership
2003 - 2007 - External Examiner University of Reading 1998 - 2004 Member of Planning Aid for London Management Committee 1998 2004(Company Secretary 2003)
1996 - 2000 Member and planning advisor Tooting Town Centre Management Board
I have undertaken a considerable amount of qualitative and quantitative research and consultancy for a variety of clients, primarily from the public sector. Most of this research has involved the investigation of current planning policy and practice, and has included several innovative and topical studies: eg work on the quality of DC outcomes, public involvement in planning, planning for leisure and tourism, town centres and the night-time economy, and skills, training and recruitment and retention issues in planning and related disciplines. In addition I collaborated with colleagues to undertake a study of the regeneration legacy of the 2012 Games.
My clients have included the DETR/ODPM/CLG, the Planning Inspectorate, the RTPI, the RICS, the ALG, and several local planning authorities.