Planning consultancy expands Leeds offices

THE Leeds office of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) has recruited one of Yorkshire’s senior property figures as it marks its fourth year in the city by expanding into larger offices.

Now occupying an entire floor in 15 St Paul’s Street, NLP has grown its headcount to 10 from an initial three, and is currently working on a wide range of schemes with combined development values of over £500m.

Experienced planner Jonathan Standen is the latest addition to the office joining as a director, having previously headed up the planning functions for RPS Plc in the North of England.

NLP Chairman Justin Gartland, who set up the Leeds office in spring 2011, said: “I am very excited about the contribution Jonathan will bring to our continuing growth in Yorkshire.

“We have a national reputation for acting on major infrastructure projects and Jonathan’s experience will add significantly to our local and national capabilities.

“Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in leading planning projects specialising in energy, infrastructure, commercial, education and minerals’ schemes.

In recent years NLP Leeds has successfully acted for Tesco, and secured permissions for a number of Lidl stores, including ones in Hull and Sheffield.

On the housing front it has worked on major schemes for St Modwen Developments at Melton Park, for Barratt David Wilson Homes and GMI at Scholes, near Leeds, and for CEG at Burley-in-Wharefdale.

It continues to advise the following blue-chip clients: De Vere Hotels; Prologis UK Ltd; Daniel Thwaites; Conroy Brook; Duchy Homes; Lidl, Marks & Spencer; Taylor Wimpey; Selby Power, William Hill, Ashtenne Industrial Fund and the University of Law.

NLP has opened new offices in the Thames Valley and Edinburgh so far this year, and has seen revenues rise from £13m to £16m in the last two years.