This month we welcomed a new director, Ian Ford as the new Planning Director at Pegasus Group’s Liverpool office. With an extensive background in urban planning and a decade of experience in leading high-profile projects, Ian brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic vision to our team.
Ian’s journey in the planning sector began in 2010 as a Graduate Planner for Taylor Young in Liverpool. Over the years, he has honed his skills and expanded his portfolio, joining Arup in 2014 and eventually heading the Planning, Policy and Economics team. His extensive experience across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, community, and commercial, positions him as a versatile and innovative leader.
Here, Ian shares his professional background and insights on his recent projects, sectors of expertise, and the strategic vision he brings to our Liverpool office.
Could you share your professional background, Ian?
I began as a Graduate Planner in 2010 for the architectural practice Taylor Young. In 2014, I joined Arup and later led the Planning, Policy and Economics team at the Liverpool office. I gained experience on various projects for both public and private clients. Though based in Liverpool, I’ve worked throughout the North West and beyond.
What sectors do you work across and can you tell us about a recent project?
During my time at Arup, I worked in sectors like energy, infrastructure, community, and commercial. I’ve also collaborated with Councils on masterplans and strategic frameworks. My main focus is urban regeneration, especially in Liverpool.
One long-term project is Peel Land & Property’s Liverpool Waters scheme, a mixed-use development on 60ha of Liverpool’s waterfront. Over the past decade, I’ve secured planning consents for high-rise residential buildings, a district heating network, and a 2 hectare public park, while also helping advise Peel, as landowners, on Everton’s new stadium.
Recently, I submitted a s73 application to update the 10-year-old permission to meet current market conditions and sustainability goals. I’m excited to continue working on Liverpool Waters with Pegasus.
What interests you about working on strategic projects?
The large scale of these projects allows for the development of diverse planning skills. Clients keep you engaged with various requests, helping deliver different opportunities, from short-term uses to complex, long-term proposals.
Strategic projects can revitalise underused sites. For instance, Liverpool Waters extends the city centre into a previously inaccessible industrial area, creating opportunities while respecting its heritage. The development meets local authority growth targets and creates a new neighbourhood for varied users.
These projects also offer the chance to work within a diverse team and engage with stakeholders, such as the local planning authority, Historic England, the Environment Agency, community groups, and the public. This collaboration fosters inclusive, well-rounded developments.
What is the greatest challenge confronting the built environment industry?
Among several challenges, viability stands out as a particularly significant one. Ensuring that a project can be effectively delivered to foster growth, while also considering sustainability, affordability, and maintaining high quality, remains an ongoing concern.
What’s the solution?
It requires a combined effort from both the public and private sectors.
Everyone involved must focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term gains. Innovative solutions in public/private partnerships, financing, simplifying processes, and considering total and social value are needed. Learning from past projects, both successful and not, is always beneficial.
What’s the most common question clients ask about the sector?
“Do I really need permission?!”
Clients often have interesting ideas or proposals and wonder, “Does this require permission?” or “What is the minimum I need to do?”
They’re eager to advance their projects but are aware of the complexities in planning. I enjoy streamlining the process via permitted development rights to add value. If detailed planning is needed, I aim to reduce risks through site appraisals, early engagement with authorities, and understanding the site’s history and local politics.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Working with a new team and connecting with colleagues across our offices. I’m eager to leverage our strengths and local expertise to promote our services in Liverpool and the City Region.
It’s an exciting time for the city, as we’re already involved in key regeneration projects. We’re well positioned to advise both existing and new clients, especially with the newly formed government making the future look bright for our sector.
Ian’s appointment marks the expansion of the Group’s planning team into Liverpool. If you’re looking for the next challenge in your career, get in touch.