Expert joins Marrons to support consultancy’s Gloucestershire expansion

With almost 23 years’ experience working in town planning, Sandra Ford has joined Marrons – expanding the planning, design and development consultancy’s presence in Gloucestershire.

Taking on the role of planning director, Sandra joins the consultancy after two years as head of development services at Tewkesbury Borough Council where she was responsible for planning, enforcement, design and conservation, economic and community development.

Prior to this, Sandra worked at Homes England, where she led on planning, brokerage and external enabling functions for the Midlands. She also led and supported garden towns and villages in the region to secure the timely delivery of high-quality sustainable, large-scale developments through the planning system.

In her new role, Sandra will be responsible for helping to grow Marrons in the West Midlands and South West, supporting its expansion into Gloucestershire, and using her experience, skills and knowledge to successfully promote land and secure planning permission for developers and landowners.

Sandra, who will be based at the consultancy’s Stratford-upon-Avon hub but working with clients nationally, said: “I am thrilled to have joined Marrons. Having dealt with the team on schemes over the years, I have experienced first-hand the collaborative approach they take, which is extremely important to me and reflects my preferred method too.

“I am looking forward to using both my experience of dealing with large-scale residential-led schemes, including garden towns and villages, and my local authority knowledge and contacts to support clients in navigating their projects through the planning process with positive results, ultimately playing a key part in creating great places for future generations.”

The Stratford-upon-Avon team, which has more than doubled in size in 12 months, takes the lead in developing Marrons’ offering in the area, providing services including securing planning permission for development and promoting greenfield and brownfield land to meet future housing and employment needs.

Gary Stephens, partner and town planning consultant at Marrons, said: “There has been a significant increase in demand for our services due to our high success rate in achieving planning permissions for clients. We have significant growth plans in the business, and Sandra’s appointment will strengthen the team and bring new ideas and skills to unlock sites. We are thrilled to have her on board.”