Balfour Beatty development head joins Peaks & Plains

The housing provider has appointed Mark Howden as director of place from Balfour Beatty as it prepares to deliver 750 homes across Cheshire and High Peak over the next five years.

Howden joins after spending more than a decade at Balfour Beatty, where he held roles including head of regeneration and head of residential development.

With Peaks & Plains, Howden will lead on regeneration and development projects with a particular focus on placemaking.

The housing provider set out a five-year plan last year, which will see it deliver around 750 homes across the region, including on brownfield sites in Macclesfield. As part of the plan, it will also add around 40 staff. It currently manages around 5,000 homes in Cheshire East and High Peak.

Tim Pinder, chief executive at Peaks & Plains, said: “Having Mark on board is a real coup – he brings with him extensive experience, which will be invaluable as we push ahead with our ambitious five-year plan. His passion for great placemaking is perfectly aligned with our values, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be a huge asset to both our team and our communities.”

Howden added: “Peaks & Plains has a great reputation within the industry, with a clear strategy and vision and a willingness to explore more innovative solutions; the renovation of three derelict mills in Macclesfield town centre being a case in point.

“The future of the housing sector is very exciting – there remains significant unmet need for new homes, and we have a key role in meeting that demand. However, first and foremost we must also support the creation of great places for people to live and work, producing truly sustainable and vibrant communities.”