A new independent planning and development consultancy, Fairfield Associates, has launched under the leadership of highways and planning specialist, Karen Smith.
Smith has more than 25 years’ experience across both the public and private sectors.
Formerly associate director at Sanderson Associates, she has worked on a wide range of infrastructure, transport and development projects across Yorkshire and beyond, including transport assessments, access appraisals, travel plans, feasibility studies and expert witness services for planning appeals.
Her career began in the highways development control team at Barnsley Council before moving into the consultancy sector.
As director of Fairfield Associates, she will lead the business in providing highways consultancy services to clients ranging from private individuals to national developers.
The company is the latest venture from Penistone-based family-owned property development business Fairbank Group Holdings Ltd.
The intention is to build a multi-disciplinary planning and development offering, with Fairfield Associates at its core and further expertise to be added as the service evolves.
Fairfield Associates will provide a wide range of services helping clients to overcome key development hurdles.
The service will support landowners, developers and businesses through all stages of the planning process.
On a more specialist basis, the firm can assist with the planning appeal process from a highway perspective, in addition to advising on the stopping-up of highways.
Smith said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up and to do so with the backing of a forward-thinking and values-driven parent company.
“I’ve spent my career navigating the planning process from both sides, and I’m looking forward to using that experience to help clients progress their projects successfully. It’s a new challenge and one I’m truly energised by.
Fairfield Associates will operate independently within the Fairbank Group structure, giving Smith full control of the direction and day-to-day running of the business. She will also become a shareholder.
Antony Green, director of Fairbank Group Holdings, added: “Karen’s appointment as director of Fairfield Associates represents a major step in our vision to grow a progressive, expert-led consultancy service.
“Her experience and reputation in the highways sector are second to none.”
