James principally works on larger, strategic planning applications, often accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment. This frequently involves site promotion, allocation, the co-ordination of planning application submissions and, where necessary, appeal work. Clients include housebuilders, strategic funds and property companies. Recent successes include a Secretary of State decision for 605 homes in Ashby-de-la-Zouch; the first self/custom build scheme in England to be tested at inquiry, and the co-ordination and submission of three planning applications in Thurrock for a 4,250 new homes combined.

Before joining Iceni, James began his planning career working for the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, whose remit was to help with the largest regeneration project in Europe. This included managing the production and implementation of six area action plans and successfully challenging the East of England Plan, which culminated in its formal revision. He was instrumental in the determination of numerous largescale planning applications for residential and employment uses on strategic Green Belt and brownfield sites, which, in most instances, were heavily constrained.

James has over 15 years planning and project management experience which is supported by a MRTPI accreditation and a PRINCE2® practitioners qualification. James has also completed an MBA with distinction at Henley Business School.