Urban Splash hires head of planning

The developer has made a spate of hires in recent months, “propelled” by its work in modular delivery, including the appointment of Andrew Johnston from Avison Young as head of planning.

Johnston took the newly-created role in January, from his position as a director at Avison Young where he worked for over two years. He has worked in planning and development for 15 years.

Speaking of his appointment, he said: “I look forward to helping streamline planning on House projects and take our innovative approach to even more neighbourhoods across the country.”

Along with Johnston, Richard Dingle joined in late 2019 as an acquisitions manager from his position as a land and estates surveyor at PJ Livesey, where he worked for four years.

Sam Thomas joined as a bid manager from Morson International and Laurence Chipperton from Adlingon as an acquisitions surveyor.

The four will be required to source and acquire sites to enable the delivery of more modular House by Urban Splash homes.

Urban Splash now has a team of 210. According to the company, recruitment has been “propelled” by its acquisition of a modular construction factory in 2018, and its deal with Sekisui House and Homes England in 2019.

Katie Dean, land director at Urban Splash, said: “We have huge plans for growth this year and with so many House by Urban Splash sites now established and coming to fruition in places like Manchester, North Shields, Birmingham and the Wirral, we’re looking to take it to all corners of the country.

“Our colleagues are a great asset to us in achieving our ambitious plans in achieving our ambitious plans for growth, and we are looking to continue building our team this year.”