Gary Stephens
Partner
Specialisms:
- Commercial Development
- Planning Applications
- Planning Strategy
- Residential Development
- Strategic land promotion
Gary is an experienced chartered town planner who helps developers and landowners navigate the planning system to achieve their ambitions.
Gary leads a team of town planners in Stratford-upon-Avon dedicated to securing planning permissions and strategic land allocations for clients across the country.
He acts for national housebuilders and land promoters, with a particular focus on large-scale residential developments. Gary has successfully advised on and secured planning permission for major residential developments of more than 2,500 homes across the country, delivering results that unlock value and support long-term growth.
Acting as lead town planner on projects, he leads negotiations with councils and stakeholders through the local plan process, represents clients at examinations-in-public, engages with councillors and local communities, coordinates consultant teams to deliver applications to programme, and negotiates planning permissions that are deliverable and aligned with client objectives.
When required, Gary also acts as an expert witness at major planning inquiries – including one of the UK’s longest ever planning enforcement inquiries, which ran for six months.
With over 28 years of experience, Gary has a deep understanding of the planning system and is known for delivering successful outcomes that meet his clients’ ambitions. He takes pride in finding practical solutions to resolve complex issues and builds strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
Key areas of expertise:
– Large scale residential and mixed-use developments
– Planning inquiry witness
– Planning strategy and land promotion expert
– Major commercial and brownfield developments
– Local plan representations
I get a great deal of satisfaction in helping my clients secure planning permission. Key to that success is using my knowledge and experience to identify solutions to overcome objections, and developing positive relationships with all stakeholders.