Planning, design and development consultancy Marrons has expanded its urban design and planning capabilities with three key appointments – further expanding its multidisciplinary offering to developers, landowners and public sector clients nationally.

Simon Wise joins as design director, with Rebecca Clark appointed as senior urban designer and Gabby Pennant as assistant planner. The trio bring a mix of strategic masterplanning, urban design and planning expertise to Marrons’ growing team.

Based in Milton Keynes, Simon joins Marrons from Barton Willmore (now Stantec), where he collaborated on new settlements and urban extensions, outline and detailed planning applications, and design codes for developments ranging from 180 homes to 4,000 homes. He has delivered projects for major housebuilders and land promoters across the UK.

At Marrons, Simon will play a pivotal role in growing the urban design team, mentoring staff, expanding the consultancy’s service offering, and supporting developers, landowners and public sector clients in Milton Keynes and beyond.

Rebecca, based in Sheffield, brings five years’ experience working in local government as an urban design officer, advising on a wide range of planning applications and helping applicants align proposals with council expectations and standards.

Her experience spans large-scale, mixed-use regeneration schemes, including the preparation of context appraisals, constraints analysis, concept plans and design guidance, as well as contributing to policy reviews and design frameworks.

At Marrons, her responsibilities include producing design and access statements, character appraisals, constraints plans and design codes, alongside client liaison.

Gabby – also based in Sheffield – joins following her graduation with a first-class degree in urban studies and planning from the University of Sheffield. She previously gained consultancy experience with Carter Jonas while completing her studies.

In her new role, Gabby will be supporting the preparation of planning documents and undertaking research across a range of projects, with a particular focus on strategic land promotion.