Property people: DPP Planning and Furnell Residential

DPP Planning has confirmed that experienced planning consultant David Smith has become a director and member of the business’s Board.

Based out of the national independent planning consultancy’s Leeds office, he will support DPP’s growing presence in Leeds and the Yorkshire Region.

He will also have a focus on DPP’s activities in the urban living market, advising on projects in areas such as Build to Rent, student accommodation and co-living.

He joins from WSP’s Leeds office, where he was an associate director. Smith has around two decades’ experience in leading town planning consultancies in England, Ireland and Australia.

With a strong track record in the student housing sector, both for purpose-built developments and conversions and extensions of existing properties, including listed buildings, he has also supported a cross section of clients in the Leeds and Yorkshire area, including YPP, Harrogate Town Football Club and the University of Leeds.

Throughout his career he has worked in both the private and public sector, with his first role at the Irish Planning Appeals Board, followed by an assistant planner role at Ballymun Regeneration Limited in Dublin.

After a short period in Sydney, Australia, he returned to Ireland with John Spain Associates, before joining Indigo, which had offices in London and Leeds. Indigo was subsequently acquired by WSP where Smith became associate director.

He said: “DPP has an excellent reputation with a team of accomplished planning specialists that is delivering some high quality projects, both here in Leeds, but also across the UK.

“Joining an independent planning consultancy with national coverage is really attractive to me, having worked for a similar type of business in the past.

“Becoming a director also enables me to have an influence on the growth of the business alongside a very dynamic leadership team.”

Gareth Hooper, CEO, said: “Attracting David to DPP, following on from the recent recruitment of Helen Marks as a director, demonstrates the increasing prominence the business in taking in the planning industry.

“He is well-known in the Leeds and Yorkshire market and will bring additional experience to our team as we build relationships with clients through the delivery of exceptional planning advice.”

:::

Estate agent Furnell Residential has strengthened its team with a senior appointment.

Steve Riley has 20 years’ experience in the property industry having worked for a number of high street agents and will be based at the firm’s new office in Bardsey, near Wetherby.

He said: “I have long been an admirer of Furnell and am delighted to be joining them at such an exciting time.

“There is no doubt Furnell has established an exceptional reputation for the quality of service it provides to both sellers and buyers which is reflected in the number of boards you see within its area of operation.”

Ben Furnell, managing director, said: “Steve is a highly experienced property professional and an excellent addition to our seven-strong team.

“We are keen to expand our geographical footprint and Steve will be pivotal in helping us achieve this.”                      

Furnell Residential is a family owned estate agency launched in 2018 and covers North Leeds, Wetherby, York, Harrogate and surrounding areas.