A LEADING consultancy has recruited one of the region's most experience planners from an executive role with Newcastle City Council.

Harvey Emms has joined Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners as a senior director having previously been director of planning, housing and transport and assistant director of development at Newcastle City Council.

As chief planner at the council Mr Emms dealt with some major applications including; the Eldon Square shopping centre expansion and new bus station, the refurbishment of Monument Mall, the Stephenson Quarter and high-profile residential schemes in the Ouseburn.

Most recently he has been the director in charge of the development of the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan setting the planning framework for Newcastle and Gateshead for the next 20 years.

Jonathan Wallace, senior director and Newcastle office leader for NLP, which employs over 40 staff at its city centre offices, said: “We are delighted that Harvey has joined our team.

“Harvey brings with him considerable experience and knowledge of planning and transport issues in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear and the wider region. He has extensive experience of working with chief officers across the North East and with senior politicians and MPs which will benefit our clients and their schemes.”