Savills strengthens northern planning team

Property consultancy Savills has strengthened its planning operations across the North of England with three appointments in Leeds and Manchester.

Yvette Black joins the Manchester office as associate director, while Maxwell Griffin has been appointed associate and Katie Payne joins as graduate planner in Leeds.

Yvette brings more than nine years’ experience in private sector planning consultancy, having previously worked at JLL.

Her expertise spans a range of development projects, with particular experience in the industrial, logistics and education sectors.

Yvette said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Savills at such an exciting time for the northern planning team. 

“Savills has a strong reputation for delivering strategic planning advice across a wide range of sectors, and I am looking forward to working with clients to unlock development opportunities and navigate complex planning challenges. 

“The strength and depth of expertise across the business was a major draw for me, and I'm excited to contribute to the continued growth of the team across the North.”

Maxwell joins from Fisher German LLP, bringing more than five years’ experience advising utility and infrastructure clients on planning strategy, consents and project delivery.

He will support the expansion of Savills’ infrastructure planning services across water, wastewater, electricity transmission, gas and pipeline projects.

Maxwell added: “I'm delighted to have joined Savills and the Northern Planning team in Leeds. 

“Savills has an outstanding reputation across the property and infrastructure sectors, and I am looking forward to supporting clients on major infrastructure projects while helping to grow the team's infrastructure planning offer.”

Meanwhile, Katie’s appointment reflects the consultancy’s continued investment in developing early-career planning professionals.

The Leeds team is also preparing to welcome a further graduate planner, Sanaya Jairath, early next year.

Their appointments strengthen Savills’ regional planning advisory capabilities as it continues to support development and infrastructure projects across northern England.

Jonathan Ainley, joint head of planning for Savills in the North, added: “We are continuing to invest in our planning capability across the region to ensure we can meet growing client demand across a range of sectors. 

“Yvette, Maxwell, Katie and Sanaya each bring valuable experience and expertise, further strengthening our ability to provide strategic planning advice and deliver successful outcomes for our clients.

“Their appointments enhance the depth and breadth of our team and position us strongly to support opportunities across development, regeneration and infrastructure throughout the North.”

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