Montagu Evans appoints head of planning

Montagu Evans has appointed Craig Blatchford as its head of planning, following Julian Stephenson’s decision to step down after nine years.  

Blatchford joined Montagu Evans as equity partner in 2015 when independent consultancy Blue Sky Planning merged with the firm. He specialises in commercial and out of town retail planning.

Stephenson remains an equity partner at the firm, sitting on its management committee and continuing to head up strategic projects for the business. He will continue to work with clients, focussing on commercial retail, residential and office developments.

Rob Bower, managing partner at Montagu Evans, said: “Montagu Evans’ planning team is central to our business and under Julian’s leadership it has grown, both in size and reputation.

“In agreeing his successor, the team felt that Craig’s experience and commercial focus were a great fit at a time when the business is growing in increasingly tough market conditions. Planning and development will always be at our core and our task now is to focus on our sector expertise, where we can best add value for clients.”

Pictured: Blatchford

Image credit | Montagu Evans