Planning director joins BNP Paribas from DTZ

Andrew Thomson, former director of planning in the Manchester office of DTZ, has been recruited by BNP Paribas Real Estate as director in its planning team.

Thomson follows senior planner, Justin Cove, who joined BNP Paribas in October from DTZ.

Andrew Hamilton, head of BNP Paribas' Manchester office, said: "The addition of Andrew and Justin will undoubtedly add further scope to the solutions that we are able to offer. We are advising a range of developer, landowner and banking clients who are assessing opportunities for the future and require the full development service we provide. I am delighted to welcome them both to the team and am confident that their wealth of experience and talent can only serve to further enhance our offering."

David Couch, director of development and residential consulting at BNP Paribas in Manchester, added: "As the development sector looks at ways to bring forward schemes in challenging economic and regulatory conditions, the team is now well placed to provide advice on how to negotiate the best planning outcome for commercial, residential and mixed use sites. We see considerable opportunities in 2010 to aid clients to take advantage of emerging signs of stability; Andrew and Justin will provide invaluable planning expertise within the team."