Matthew Wood has joined as director and will be based in St Albans. He will provide strategic planning and development management advice to clients across the region. Matthew has over 24 years experience in planning and development. He joins from Hertfordshire County Council where he was principal planning officer. Prior to that Matthew held roles with JB Planning Associates and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

James Wood takes the role of senior surveyor based in Chelmsford. He comes from DPDS Consulting Group where he carried out a broad range of both residential and commercial planning and development work. In this role with Lambert Smith Hampton, James will be supporting the Essex County Council contract as well as looking at site identification and introductory work.

Judith Sargent, Head of East Region, commented: “With their significant experience across both the public and private sectors, Matthew and James will be a vital support as Lambert Smith Hampton looks to grow its planning and development consultancy across the East region. In their roles, they will work closely with our clients to ensure they understand the benefits of and the need to engage with the planning process.”