Savills has strengthened its planning capabilities in the East of England
Taking effect immediately, the planning departments in Cambridge and Chelmsford will join together to create a 15-strong discipline spanning Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire. The team will also work closely with colleagues in London to serve the A12 corridor into East London.
The combined team will continue to serve multiple sectors, including residential, life sciences, technology, healthcare, retirement, education, commercial, town centre mixed-use, infrastructure, energy, student accommodation, hotel and visitor accommodation, sport and waste.
It will be overseen by a management group led by director Andy Moffat, currently head of Cambridge planning, and the teams will continue to operate from their Cambridge and Chelmsford offices as well as those in Norwich, Peterborough and Lincoln.
“In reality our teams already worked very closely together – but the merger allows us to fully utilise the skills and experience we have at our disposal and gives us the best platform to make the most of the opportunities that face the region,” Andy said.
“Whether it’s the government’s ambitious plans for future growth in and around Cambridge, the vast number of renewable energy projects along the East coast or the continued need for sustainable development to help meet a shortage of new housing, the East of England is at the forefront of a lot of investment with plenty of prospects for growth.
“By officially joining forces we have created one of the largest dedicated planning teams in the East of England, ensuring we are in pole position to deliver the best possible service to existing and future clients.”
Sam Hollingworth, who leads the Chelmsford planning team, added: “This will further expand our range of expertise, while driving growth and providing comprehensive planning consultancy and advice throughout the region. The opportunities to collaborate across a number of sectors and initiatives are significant and we’re looking forward to building on the strong reputation that our two planning teams have established over the years.”
Jonathan Steele, head of regional planning across Savills, said: “Our planners are already involved in some of the most diverse and exciting projects in the East of England, but by coming together the teams will be closer aligned – allowing them to continue to work strategically across the region while maintaining and growing their local knowledge and expertise alongside the wider Savills network.”
