Taunton Development Land and Planning
Winchester House, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2UH
01823 334466 landplanning.taunton@gth.netMeet the Team
Graham heads the Development, Land & Planning department specialising in the disposal of residential development, land and property throughout the South West region providing planning and valuation advice to a wide range of clients including private landowners, banks and local authorities. Graham became a partner of GTH in 2000 following a 10 year period working in Exeter and Somerset County Council. Graham also heads the New Homes' division, a specialist department, recognising the marketing needs of small and large developers.
Graham Ford
Partner, Head of Development Land & Planning
01823 334466
Email Graham
Mark was born and raised in North Devon and is a farmer's son. He joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2016 as an Associate from a FTSE 250 property consultancy business, where he had worked for nearly 9-years. Mark is a Chartered Surveyor with nearly 20-years PQE. <br><br>He has worked in the South West for the majority of his career and specialises in all aspects of development work, including development agency, consultancy, valuation and strategic land. <br><br>Mark also has a keen interest in farming and renewable energy having had a personal interest in the 66MWp Fullabrook wind farm and the 4.5MWp Luscott Barton solar farm. Mark became a Partner in January 2019.
Mark Chugg BSc Hons MSc MRICS
Partner
01823 334466
Email Mark
Claire is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and provides a range of planning consultancy services across the South West. She joined GTH in August 2017, having worked in private planning consultancy since early 2014 at both Savills and Smiths Gore. Prior to this, Claire worked for ten years as a planning officer, based in the South West. Her involvement in planning includes the early inception stage with planning appraisals through to project management on major development proposals. Claire became an Associate in 2019.
Claire Alers-Hankey BSc, MSc, MRTPI
Partner
01823 334466
Email Claire
Andrew joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 1992 as a graduate in Land Management. He qualified as a Professional Associate with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1997 and became an Associate Partner with Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2013. Andrew has considerable experience in planning , working with residential, commercial, agricultural and leisure properties throughout Somerset, Devon and Dorset.
Andrew Preston MRICS
Associate
01823 334466
Email Andrew
Russell joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in January 2016 after working as a Planning Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council. He completed a Master’s Degree in Town & Country Planning at the University of the West of England and has detailed knowledge of the planning system, having worked on a broad range of developments. Russell has a keen interest in rural and residential development and is able to advise clients on all aspects of the planning system. In his spare time Russell acts as his cricket clubs secretary and enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and supporting local sports teams. Russel became an Associate in 2019.
Russell Williams BA (Hons) MA
Associate
01823 334466
Email Russell
Stephen joined GTH as an Associate in 2020 after nearly seven years at South Somerset District Council. He fulfilled a varied number of planning roles, in both Planning Policy and Development Management, culminating in being the Council’s chief planner and the Lead Specialist of all its Built Environment services. As a result, Stephen has a holistic and comprehensive understanding of Planning and experience dealing with strategic land allocations and minor and major development. Stephen enjoys assessing the development potential of land and forming and delivering strategies to increase the likelihood of gaining planning permission for his clients. He is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and has a master’s degree in Rural and Town Planning having graduated with a distinction in 2017.
Stephen Baimbridge BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI
Associate
01823 334466
Email Stephen
Laura started her planning career at Somerset County Council in 2014 after graduating from Plymouth University. Laura then worked as a Planning Officer at Exeter City Council before joining Greenslade Taylor Hunt as a Planning Consultant in May 2018. Laura started her planning career as a Junior Planning Officer at Somerset County Council in 2014 after graduating from Plymouth University the previous year. Whilst at Somerset County Council Laura predominantly handled applications for the County Councils own development such as new schools and school expansions although enjoyed trips to Somerset’s many quarries whenever she got the opportunity. She later moved to Exeter City Council in January 2016 to broaden her planning experience. Whilst at Exeter City Council Laura was involved in a variety of projects including residential developments and applications for Listed Building Consent. Laura has lived in Taunton all her life and following her maternity leave couldn’t wait to start a new job closer to home.<br><br><br>
Laura Polley BA (Hons)
Planning Consultant
01823 334466
Email Laura
Naomi has six years Local Authority experience as a Planning Officer in the South West, previously working for Mid Devon District Council. Her experience covers a variety of different development proposals including new agricultural and equestrian development, barn conversions, new holiday accommodation, alterations and extensions to houses, agricultural buildings and commercial units. Naomi particularly enjoys rural planning and helping people negotiate around site constraints and issues within the planning system.<br>Naomi graduated from Plymouth University in 2015 with an MSc in Planning and is currently a Licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, working towards her full accreditation.
Naomi Morgan BA (Hons) MSc
Planning Consultant
01823 334466
Email Naomi
Michila joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2019 and heads up the Architectural team. Michila is a chartered architect with over 30 years’ experience in the design and construction industry. In addition to her extensive experience of new build and refurbishment projects, Michila has a wealth of knowledge concerning conservation and is an Approved Inspector to carry out Quinquennial Inspections for The Diocese of Exeter, and The Diocese of Bath and Wells. Her passion alongside conservation and new build is with the reuse of historic buildings with considered modern interventions, attention to detail and innovative design solutions.<br><br>Recent projects include:<br>-Conversions<br>-Extensions and refurbishments<br>-Housing schemes<br>-QI and church re ordering<br>-Master planning<br>-Bespoke housing<br>-Multi Occupancy residential Flats
Michila Wilks RIBA Pg Dip Arch Cons March Cons
Lead Architect
01823 334466
Email Michila
Lucy joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt's Development and Planning department in January 2002; then a small team based in the Ilminster office. She completed a post-graduate diploma in surveying and moved with the growing team to Chard and then to our current Taunton office.
Lucy Hanbidge-Moore BA (Hons), PGDipSuv
Senior Architectural Designer
01823 334466
Email Lucy
Keelan joined GTH in January 2019 and has experience in engineering, tool design and installation of Renewables such as solar photovoltaics and air source heat pumps, as well as experience in a multitude of 2D and 3D CAD packages. He is currently finishing a BSc (Hons) with the Open University.<br><br>Keelan supports the Lead Architect, producing planning drawings for small to medium sized housing schemes, barn conversions, agricultural buildings and commercial units and producing land registry compliant drawings.<br><br>Recent Projects:<br>-Producing a comprehensive set of planning drawings for the conversion of various agricultural buildings on a farm near chard into over 11000sq ft of commercial units.<br>-The design of a Dutch barn conversion under class Q nearby the village of Compton Dundon<br>-The redesign of a housing scheme in Winkleigh, Devon to be more commercially viable. The new design uses the unfavourable topography to its advantage giving and interesting terraced landscape positioned to maximise the rural views that it offers.<br><br>In his spare time, Keelan is a keep surfer, snowboarder and fisher; and has fished for Team England.
Keelan Owen BSc (Hons) ACIAT
Architectural Technician
01823 334466
Email Keelan
Matthew started working at Greensalde Taylor Hunt in September 2019, after working in both the public & private sectors in his 20+ years as an architectural technician. Matt has extensive experience producing sketch, planning, building regulations and construction drawings and documentation for a large variety of sectors. This includes working on schools, offices, hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, listed buildings, crematoria, leisure facilities, one-off and multiple dwellings amongst others. This has included buildings from scratch to refurbishments and extensions.
Matthew Franks
Senior Architectural Technician
01823 334466
Email Matthew
Jason Cook joined GTH in 2021, he has 18 years of experience as an architectural technician supporting projects from conception to completion. He particularly enjoys the creativity of the task and has worked on many different types of projects, embracing the latest technology and more traditional methods. In his spare time he has been renovating the family bungalow, where he lives with wife, Samantha, and children, Lydia and Jack. Jason enjoys being outdoors and going on walks with the family and their dogs, Frank and Betty – a Pug and French Bulldog.
Jason Cook
Architectural Technician
01823 334466
Email Jason
James joined GTH in September 2020 after 3 years working for CBRE in Bristol. He works alongside Graham and Mark, specialising in all aspects of development work, including development agency, consultancy, valuation and strategic land. James is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate having graduated with first class honours from the University of the West of England in 2017. James grew up in Taunton and is delighted to be back at GTH, where he undertook considerable work experience over several years before moving to Bristol and starting University. Outside of work, James is actively involved with the Somerset Carnivals, being a member of Harlequin Carnival Club from Ilminster, and is also involved in Scouting.
James Nelson BSc (Hons) MRICS
Development Surveyor
01823 334466
Email James
George joined GTH in September 2020 after graduating from Reading University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate. He works alongside Graham, Mark & James, specialising in all aspects of development work, from strategic land and valuation to agency and consultancy. George is also currently doing his APC, with a view to becoming a Chartered Surveyor in 2023.
George Williams
Graduate Development Surveyor
01823 334466
Email George
Mel joined the company in 2002, working for Land & Planning and Agricultural Departments at the Ilminster Office. A short break was then taken to have her fourth child and having being asked to return in 2011 she was based in the Chard office. Having worked for the planning team carrying out admin tasks she now works as PA for Mark Chugg in the Land & Planning Department in Taunton. Mel who has a great sense of humour, has extensive experience of all aspects of Planning, Strategic and Agency Land sales. Outside of the office Mel is a very busy mother to four with not much time for anything else!
Mel Collins
Administrator
01823 334466
Email Mel
Ella joined the company in March 2018 having previously worked for two years at Sanctuary Housing, following 25 years with Flybe, the last 9 years of which were spent as Manager of the Customer Relations Department. Ella has a wide knowledge of and vast experience in administrative roles, enabling her get to grips with the many aspects of the Land and Planning Office. Outside of the office, Ella is a keen dart and skittle player, fitting this in around working on the large allotment that allows her family to be mostly self-sufficient with veg throughout the year.
Ella Jones
Administrator
01823 334466
Email Ella
Sally has worked for Greenslade Taylor Hunt land and planning division for over 15 years, previous to that she worked for the agricultural division for several years. She is an administrator dealing with all aspects of admin work in the busy land and planning office.
Sally Popham
Administrator
01823 334466
Email Sally
Graham Ford
Partner, Head of Development Land & Planning
Graham heads the Development, Land & Planning department specialising in the disposal of residential development, land and property throughout the South West region providing planning and valuation advice to a wide range of clients including private landowners, banks and local authorities. Graham became a partner of GTH in 2000 following a 10 year period working in Exeter and Somerset County Council. Graham also heads the New Homes' division, a specialist department, recognising the marketing needs of small and large developers.
Mark Chugg BSc Hons MSc MRICS
Partner
Mark was born and raised in North Devon and is a farmer's son. He joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2016 as an Associate from a FTSE 250 property consultancy business, where he had worked for nearly 9-years. Mark is a Chartered Surveyor with nearly 20-years PQE.
He has worked in the South West for the majority of his career and specialises in all aspects of development work, including development agency, consultancy, valuation and strategic land.
Mark also has a keen interest in farming and renewable energy having had a personal interest in the 66MWp Fullabrook wind farm and the 4.5MWp Luscott Barton solar farm. Mark became a Partner in January 2019.
He has worked in the South West for the majority of his career and specialises in all aspects of development work, including development agency, consultancy, valuation and strategic land.
Mark also has a keen interest in farming and renewable energy having had a personal interest in the 66MWp Fullabrook wind farm and the 4.5MWp Luscott Barton solar farm. Mark became a Partner in January 2019.
Claire Alers-Hankey BSc, MSc, MRTPI
Partner
Claire is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and provides a range of planning consultancy services across the South West. She joined GTH in August 2017, having worked in private planning consultancy since early 2014 at both Savills and Smiths Gore. Prior to this, Claire worked for ten years as a planning officer, based in the South West. Her involvement in planning includes the early inception stage with planning appraisals through to project management on major development proposals. Claire became an Associate in 2019.
Andrew Preston MRICS
Associate
Andrew joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 1992 as a graduate in Land Management. He qualified as a Professional Associate with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1997 and became an Associate Partner with Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2013. Andrew has considerable experience in planning , working with residential, commercial, agricultural and leisure properties throughout Somerset, Devon and Dorset.
Russell Williams BA (Hons) MA
Associate
Russell joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in January 2016 after working as a Planning Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council. He completed a Master’s Degree in Town & Country Planning at the University of the West of England and has detailed knowledge of the planning system, having worked on a broad range of developments. Russell has a keen interest in rural and residential development and is able to advise clients on all aspects of the planning system. In his spare time Russell acts as his cricket clubs secretary and enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and supporting local sports teams. Russel became an Associate in 2019.
Stephen Baimbridge BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI
Associate
Stephen joined GTH as an Associate in 2020 after nearly seven years at South Somerset District Council. He fulfilled a varied number of planning roles, in both Planning Policy and Development Management, culminating in being the Council’s chief planner and the Lead Specialist of all its Built Environment services. As a result, Stephen has a holistic and comprehensive understanding of Planning and experience dealing with strategic land allocations and minor and major development. Stephen enjoys assessing the development potential of land and forming and delivering strategies to increase the likelihood of gaining planning permission for his clients. He is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and has a master’s degree in Rural and Town Planning having graduated with a distinction in 2017.
Laura Polley BA (Hons)
Planning Consultant
Laura started her planning career at Somerset County Council in 2014 after graduating from Plymouth University. Laura then worked as a Planning Officer at Exeter City Council before joining Greenslade Taylor Hunt as a Planning Consultant in May 2018. Laura started her planning career as a Junior Planning Officer at Somerset County Council in 2014 after graduating from Plymouth University the previous year. Whilst at Somerset County Council Laura predominantly handled applications for the County Councils own development such as new schools and school expansions although enjoyed trips to Somerset’s many quarries whenever she got the opportunity. She later moved to Exeter City Council in January 2016 to broaden her planning experience. Whilst at Exeter City Council Laura was involved in a variety of projects including residential developments and applications for Listed Building Consent. Laura has lived in Taunton all her life and following her maternity leave couldn’t wait to start a new job closer to home.
Naomi Morgan BA (Hons) MSc
Planning Consultant
Naomi has six years Local Authority experience as a Planning Officer in the South West, previously working for Mid Devon District Council. Her experience covers a variety of different development proposals including new agricultural and equestrian development, barn conversions, new holiday accommodation, alterations and extensions to houses, agricultural buildings and commercial units. Naomi particularly enjoys rural planning and helping people negotiate around site constraints and issues within the planning system.
Naomi graduated from Plymouth University in 2015 with an MSc in Planning and is currently a Licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, working towards her full accreditation.
Naomi graduated from Plymouth University in 2015 with an MSc in Planning and is currently a Licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, working towards her full accreditation.
Michila Wilks RIBA Pg Dip Arch Cons March Cons
Lead Architect
Michila joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2019 and heads up the Architectural team. Michila is a chartered architect with over 30 years’ experience in the design and construction industry. In addition to her extensive experience of new build and refurbishment projects, Michila has a wealth of knowledge concerning conservation and is an Approved Inspector to carry out Quinquennial Inspections for The Diocese of Exeter, and The Diocese of Bath and Wells. Her passion alongside conservation and new build is with the reuse of historic buildings with considered modern interventions, attention to detail and innovative design solutions.
Recent projects include:
-Conversions
-Extensions and refurbishments
-Housing schemes
-QI and church re ordering
-Master planning
-Bespoke housing
-Multi Occupancy residential Flats
Recent projects include:
-Conversions
-Extensions and refurbishments
-Housing schemes
-QI and church re ordering
-Master planning
-Bespoke housing
-Multi Occupancy residential Flats
Lucy Hanbidge-Moore BA (Hons), PGDipSuv
Senior Architectural Designer
Lucy joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt's Development and Planning department in January 2002; then a small team based in the Ilminster office. She completed a post-graduate diploma in surveying and moved with the growing team to Chard and then to our current Taunton office.
Keelan Owen BSc (Hons) ACIAT
Architectural Technician
Keelan joined GTH in January 2019 and has experience in engineering, tool design and installation of Renewables such as solar photovoltaics and air source heat pumps, as well as experience in a multitude of 2D and 3D CAD packages. He is currently finishing a BSc (Hons) with the Open University.
Keelan supports the Lead Architect, producing planning drawings for small to medium sized housing schemes, barn conversions, agricultural buildings and commercial units and producing land registry compliant drawings.
Recent Projects:
-Producing a comprehensive set of planning drawings for the conversion of various agricultural buildings on a farm near chard into over 11000sq ft of commercial units.
-The design of a Dutch barn conversion under class Q nearby the village of Compton Dundon
-The redesign of a housing scheme in Winkleigh, Devon to be more commercially viable. The new design uses the unfavourable topography to its advantage giving and interesting terraced landscape positioned to maximise the rural views that it offers.
In his spare time, Keelan is a keep surfer, snowboarder and fisher; and has fished for Team England.
Keelan supports the Lead Architect, producing planning drawings for small to medium sized housing schemes, barn conversions, agricultural buildings and commercial units and producing land registry compliant drawings.
Recent Projects:
-Producing a comprehensive set of planning drawings for the conversion of various agricultural buildings on a farm near chard into over 11000sq ft of commercial units.
-The design of a Dutch barn conversion under class Q nearby the village of Compton Dundon
-The redesign of a housing scheme in Winkleigh, Devon to be more commercially viable. The new design uses the unfavourable topography to its advantage giving and interesting terraced landscape positioned to maximise the rural views that it offers.
In his spare time, Keelan is a keep surfer, snowboarder and fisher; and has fished for Team England.
Matthew Franks
Senior Architectural Technician
Matthew started working at Greensalde Taylor Hunt in September 2019, after working in both the public & private sectors in his 20+ years as an architectural technician. Matt has extensive experience producing sketch, planning, building regulations and construction drawings and documentation for a large variety of sectors. This includes working on schools, offices, hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, listed buildings, crematoria, leisure facilities, one-off and multiple dwellings amongst others. This has included buildings from scratch to refurbishments and extensions.
Jason Cook
Architectural Technician
Jason Cook joined GTH in 2021, he has 18 years of experience as an architectural technician supporting projects from conception to completion. He particularly enjoys the creativity of the task and has worked on many different types of projects, embracing the latest technology and more traditional methods. In his spare time he has been renovating the family bungalow, where he lives with wife, Samantha, and children, Lydia and Jack. Jason enjoys being outdoors and going on walks with the family and their dogs, Frank and Betty – a Pug and French Bulldog.
James Nelson BSc (Hons) MRICS
Development Surveyor
James joined GTH in September 2020 after 3 years working for CBRE in Bristol. He works alongside Graham and Mark, specialising in all aspects of development work, including development agency, consultancy, valuation and strategic land. James is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate having graduated with first class honours from the University of the West of England in 2017. James grew up in Taunton and is delighted to be back at GTH, where he undertook considerable work experience over several years before moving to Bristol and starting University. Outside of work, James is actively involved with the Somerset Carnivals, being a member of Harlequin Carnival Club from Ilminster, and is also involved in Scouting.
George Williams
Graduate Development Surveyor
George joined GTH in September 2020 after graduating from Reading University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate. He works alongside Graham, Mark & James, specialising in all aspects of development work, from strategic land and valuation to agency and consultancy. George is also currently doing his APC, with a view to becoming a Chartered Surveyor in 2023.
Mel Collins
Administrator
Mel joined the company in 2002, working for Land & Planning and Agricultural Departments at the Ilminster Office. A short break was then taken to have her fourth child and having being asked to return in 2011 she was based in the Chard office. Having worked for the planning team carrying out admin tasks she now works as PA for Mark Chugg in the Land & Planning Department in Taunton. Mel who has a great sense of humour, has extensive experience of all aspects of Planning, Strategic and Agency Land sales. Outside of the office Mel is a very busy mother to four with not much time for anything else!
Ella Jones
Administrator
Ella joined the company in March 2018 having previously worked for two years at Sanctuary Housing, following 25 years with Flybe, the last 9 years of which were spent as Manager of the Customer Relations Department. Ella has a wide knowledge of and vast experience in administrative roles, enabling her get to grips with the many aspects of the Land and Planning Office. Outside of the office, Ella is a keen dart and skittle player, fitting this in around working on the large allotment that allows her family to be mostly self-sufficient with veg throughout the year.
About this Office
Opening Hours
Monday:09:00 - 17:30
Tuesday:09:00 - 17:30
Wednesday:09:00 - 17:30
Thursday:09:00 - 17:30
Friday:09:00 - 17:30
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
