Sitting down with… Peter Gillan

This week we sat down with one of our Senior Chartered Planners, Peter, to find out more about the work he does and why he enjoys doing it.

Could you please tell me your name and your role at EP.

My name is Peter and I’m a Senior Chartered Planner here at EP.

And how long have you been at EP?

I’ve worked in planning for 9 years, with 6 at EP.

What would you say your biggest highlights have been in your career?

I would say that having my work endorsed by professional and academic institutions is a highlight: I was a highly commended finalist for the RTPI North East Young Planner of the Year 2021 and ‘Rising Star’ award at the Newcastle University Alumni Achievement Awards 2021.

I was also included in the 51-person list of the transport sector’s ‘rising stars’ as published in a 2022 edition of Passenger Transport magazine. I would also say being invited by Newcastle University as a guest speaker to discuss planning in practice with third-year planning undergraduates was a privilege, to help inspire the next generation of planners.

I’ve also been delighted to lead on securing planning consents to support the delivery of major transport infrastructure projects including new railway stations, bus stations and multi-storey car parks. I’ve led on securing consents to support the delivery of the Coventry Station Masterplan to celebrate Coventry’s status as City of Culture, the re-opening of the Camp Hill Line to passenger rail services, and the redevelopment of Perry Barr Transport Interchange, with the new railway station and bus interchange due to open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

And how did you get into your role?

I have always had an interest in construction and wanted to help change public perceptions of town planning and planners. Rather than the media portrayal of planners as faceless bureaucrats that are an obstacle to progress, I want to help ensure that planners are seen as the enablers of change – as planning consultants, we lead on negotiations with local planning authorities and key stakeholders, including community groups, and manage the preparation and submission of planning applications to secure consents to facilitate the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, policy-compliant developments that contribute to economic, social and environmental betterment. It is great knowing that we have helped, and continue to help, deliver schemes that will transform places to be enjoyed by current and future generations.

What is your favourite sector of planning to work in, and why?

I am passionate about facilitating the delivery of new transport infrastructure projects, including new railway stations and other sustainable transport infrastructure; encouraging a modal shift toward more sustainable travel and catalysing further investment and opportunities that arise from the creation of a rail ‘hub’.

And finally, how do you enjoy spending your time outside of EP?

I am an outdoor enthusiast – I love wild camping, wild swimming and mountain climbing – I will be taking on Kilimanjaro in September to raise awareness and funds for the MND Association. I am also a big Newcastle United supporter.

Thanks for your time Peter and I hope you have a great rest of your day!

If you would like to find out more about the work that we do, you can see the services we offer here, as well as our portfolio of work here.

You can also reach out to us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with what we get up to.

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