Greenbank Partnerships appoints former SAA partner Smith

Wigan-based Greenbank Partnerships has appointed former Steven Abbott Associates partner Jonathan Smith as development director.

Smith has advised the company on a series of projects in the past, including Leigh Sports Village, when he was working for the independent town planning practice Steven Abbott Associates.

His move client-side is seen as an opportunity for both parties to take the relationship forward. Smith will continue to work closely with SAA as a consultant to the practice, as well as liaising with the newly assigned SAA team on Greenbank's behalf.

Speaking about his appointment, Steven Abbott, founding partner of Steven Abbott Associates, said: "While we're sorry to lose Jonathan as partner, we naturally respect his decision and believe it will be a mutually beneficial move. As well as continuing to gain from Jonathan's valuable input on a consultancy basis we're enthused by the opportunity to grow an already successful partnership.

"In light of Jonathan's leaving we've made some structural changes to ensure we have the right resource fit in terms of experience and skill set."

Keith Jones has been promoted to partner and former development planning partnership employee, Paul Lester, has been appointed as associate at SAA.

Jones joined the SAA team in January 2008 and has since advised on a number of planning applications involving supermarkets and retail parks, including Aldi and Booths.

Newcomer Lester was a principal contact for Tesco, advising on everything from extended opening hours through to major planning submissions, and conducted quantitative retail analysis, including the preparation and critique of numerous Retail Impact Assessments.

Greenbank Partnerships is a subsidiary company of the Greenbank Group, which was involved in developing the £140m Ravenhead Retail Park in St Helens.