Chrissy Farrer

I am a Chartered Town Planner with over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. My background includes more than a decade in senior roles within Local Government, where I developed expertise in negotiating complex projects and engaging with developers, Councillors and the public on challenging planning issues. As the lead case officer for projects like St George’s Park near Burton upon Trent in East Staffordshire, I managed multifaceted stakeholder interests and balanced often competing priorities.

Throughout my career, I’ve led applications across a range of sectors, including large-scale residential, commercial, leisure and retail schemes,  education and healthcare projects, and rural developments.  Recently, I’ve worked on complex Sustainable Urban Extension schemes, new employment units and planning strategies for major residential projects, including land promotion. I am equally adept at handling smaller-scale schemes, such as HMOs, individual dwellings, change of use applications and the conversion of listed buildings.

My expertise includes conducting detailed site appraisals, formulating comprehensive planning strategies, managing pre-application enquiries, leading and project-managing planning application submissions, and navigating S106 agreements and appeals. I also have strong knowledge of permitted development rights and extensive experience with Certificate of Lawfulness applications, allowing me to secure the legitimacy of both uses and built form. Additionally, I’ve managed Environmental Impact Assessments, including Screening and Scoping opinions for mixed-use and residential schemes.

Known for my methodical approach and keen eye for detail, I’m skilled at untangling complex planning issues to find creative solutions. I’m also dedicated to providing excellent client care and, as a former planning officer, I negotiate effectively with local planning authorities, drawing on my many years of experience.

At Planning and Design Group, I work with a wide range of clients, focusing on residential, commercial, health, leisure and education schemes. Outside of work, I serve as the Vice Chair of the East Midlands RTPI Regional Management Board and Regional Activities Committee, contributing to the planning profession at a regional level.