Urban Design and Planning Teams Strengthened with Three Key Hires

We are thrilled to have expanded our urban design and planning capabilities with three key appointments – further expanding our multidisciplinary offering to developers, landowners and public sector clients nationally.

Simon Wise joins as design director, with Rebecca Clark appointed as senior urban designer and Gabby Pennant as assistant planner. The trio bring a mix of strategic masterplanning, urban design and planning expertise to Marrons’ growing team.

Based in Milton Keynes, Simon joins Marrons from Barton Willmore (now Stantec), where he collaborated on new settlements and urban extensions, outline and detailed planning applications, and design codes for developments ranging from 180 homes to 4,000 homes. He has delivered projects for major housebuilders and land promoters across the UK.

At Marrons, Simon will play a pivotal role in growing the urban design team, mentoring staff, expanding the consultancy’s service offering, and supporting developers, landowners and public sector clients in Milton Keynes and beyond.

Simon said: “I was drawn to Marrons because of its collaborative culture and the opportunity to contribute to a growing, ambitious business. I’m excited to work with the team to advance the urban design offering and help deliver well-designed, high-quality places. There’s a real opportunity to expand our work in regeneration and town centre projects, which is something I’m particularly passionate about.”

Rebecca, based in Sheffield, brings five years’ experience working in local government as an urban design officer, advising on a wide range of planning applications and helping applicants align proposals with council expectations and standards.

Her experience spans large-scale, mixed-use regeneration schemes, including the preparation of context appraisals, constraints analysis, concept plans and design guidance, as well as contributing to policy reviews and design frameworks.

At Marrons, her responsibilities include producing design and access statements, character appraisals, constraints plans and design codes, alongside client liaison.

Gabby – also based in Sheffield – joins following her graduation with a first-class degree in urban studies and planning from the University of Sheffield. She previously gained consultancy experience with Carter Jonas while completing her studies.

In her new role, Gabby will be supporting the preparation of planning documents and undertaking research across a range of projects, with a particular focus on strategic land promotion.

Brian Mullin, partner and head of Marrons, said: “These appointments further strengthen our integrated planning and design offer. Simon brings significant experience in strategic masterplanning and design leadership, Rebecca adds valuable public sector insight and regeneration expertise, and Gabby represents the next generation of planning talent.

“As demand for high-quality, commercially aware placemaking continues to grow, investing in experienced and emerging professionals ensures we are well-placed to support clients in navigating complex planning and development challenges.”