About us
Meet our team of Planning Experts
Stuart Minty
Founder and Director
Founder and Director
Stuart is a chartered town planner with over 20 years of experience, including previous roles as Head of Development Management at both Camden and Haringey. He established SM Planning in late 2016 and works with a diverse range of clients on commercial and residential projects.
Allen Sacbuker
Associate
Associate
Allen joined the team in April 2018 and brings with him many years of experience, including 20 years in local government. He is a chartered town planner and has previously fulfilled senior roles within a number of councils.
Ian Pickup
Associate
Associate
Ian joined the team in October 2018 and brings with him a vast range of experience, including over 15 years in Local Government. He is a chartered town planner, and has previously fulfilled senior positions within a local authority context.
James Dawe
Principal Planner
Principal Planner
James joined the team in January 2021 with several years of local government experience, fulfilling roles in both a development management and planning policy context.
Lauren Westley
Principal Planner
Principal Planner
Lauren joined the team in March 2022 bringing with her a wealth of experience in planning enforcement and development management and has fulfilled roles in both the public and private sector.
Danielle Shaw
Planner
Planner
Danielle joined the team in June 2023 with two years experience as a planning consultant. She is currently working toward chartership through an RTPI accredited PgDip Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship.
Becky Nolan
Graduate Planner
Graduate Planner
Becky joined the team in December 2023 after obtaining a MSc in Urban and Regional Development at Cardiff University. Becky is currently working with our experienced planners to put her acquired theoretical knowledge into practice and does so with enthusiasm and diligence.
Cherie Woodfinch
Graduate Planner
Graduate Planner
Cherie is our newest member of the team who joined us after obtaining a Master of Planning at the University of Sheffield, a triple-accredited programme combining core skills and with interdisciplinary intellectual approach.
Leanne Shreeves
Office Co-ordinator
Office Co-ordinator
Leanne joined the team in November 2023 and upholds our office procedures through her organisation and scheduling skills. She is a highly adaptable individual who assists with various office administration tasks including managing the team’s busy schedule.
Karen Hinsley
Office Co-ordinator
Office Co-ordinator
Karen joined the team in February 2023 with extensive experience in IT and project management in the private sector. She is well versed in handling the submission of planning applications and dealing with queries from clients and local authorities.
Darren Welch
Business Development Director
Business Development Director
Darren joined the team in April 2024 with over 20 years experience in the property sector, bringing his extensive professional relationships to help encourage growth within the business.