SFP are delighted to announce Martin Chandler (BSc MA MRTPI), former Head of Development Management at Cheltenham Borough Council and more recently a Planning Inspector has joined the team this week.

Having presided over in excess of 350 appeals of various scales all throughout England, his experience at the Planning Inspectorate will provide invaluable insight and knowledge for our clients into the appeal process. Being the former Head of Development Management at Cheltenham Borough Council, Martin will also bring an intimate knowledge of the planning environment in Gloucestershire to assist with our expert and candid advice to our client base. Martin has also featured on the “hit” BBC2 documentary The Planners which are very own Simon Firkins also played a starring role.

“First and foremost Martin is one of the ‘good guys’. The way he is as a person aligns with our values and the way we seek to do things as a company. 

Alongside that, Martin is an excellent planner. As an Inspector, Martin worked across the country, being exposed to policies in numerous local authorities. As the head of a Development Management team locally, Martin has an enviable understanding of the workings of local government and a wonderfully in-depth knowledge of planning generally. 

Due to increased instructions and continued projected growth, we recognised the need for an additional high quality senior member of the SFP team to maintain the speed and standard of service our existing and future clients are used to. 

Martin is a fantastic appointment who will further strengthen the team along with our presence locally and nationally.” Simon Firkins, Managing Director.

Martin has previously worked with a number of members of the team at SFP during his stint at Cheltenham Borough Council as well as attending the University of West of England whilst undertaking an MA in Town Planning with another SFP team member, so we’re sure he’ll settle in quickly.

Welcome to the team Martin!