O’Brien joins Turley

Turley has appointed Mike O’Brien as director in its northern planning team, in the firm’s third hire within a year from Hourigan Connolly.

O’Brien joined Manchester firm Hourigan Connolly early in 2017 after several years with WYG. He brings a wealth of residential sector experience, having worked with a number of national and regional housebuilders and land promoters for various firms since leaving Croydon Council in 2011.

He will join six existing directors in the northern planning team at Turley, which also offers economics, design, heritage, strategic communications and sustainability expertise.

Earlier this year Turley added Elinor George, also from Hourigan Connolly, as senior planner while Jenny Fryer moved over from the same firm as planner late in 2017.

Meanwhile, senior consultant Jack Boyce and assistant consultant Esme Parkins have joined the strategic communications team, all based in Manchester.

Stephen Bell, head of planning for the north at Turley, said: “Our work and reputation in the residential sector is well-established and continues to grow. We have helped deliver numerous large-scale permissions over the last year and are promoting many more sites through Local Plans.

“Mike’s knowledge and experience in this area complements our existing capabilities and will help us achieve even more for our clients. The team and I are very much looking forward to working alongside Mike, Ellie and Jenny in the future.

Emma Dickson, director in Turley’s strategic communications team, added: “We have brought in Jack and Esme to help with growing demand for political expertise which is an increasingly important part of de-risking the planning process for our clients.

“It’s great having them on board and their experience will extend further our offering to clients.”

Last month, Manchester-based Stephen Taylor was named national head of design for the firm.