Pegasus Group grows Planning team with two senior hires

The appointments of Simon Handy in Manchester and Clare Preece in London will help expand the firm’s already highly-regarded planning offering across the UK

29 October 2025 – Leading multidisciplinary development consultancy, Pegasus Group, today announces the appointment of two new Directors to its Planning practice. With Clare Preece joining the London team and Simon Handy joining the Manchester team, both appointments bring a proven track record and wealth of experience to further strengthen Pegasus’ position as one of the UK’s leading consultancies for planning.

Client demand for planning expertise on new housing projects, urban regeneration and major commercial developments has risen across the country. These senior appointments highlight Pegasus’ continued investment in their Manchester and London offices to meet this rising client demand.

Simon Handy joins Pegasus from BNP Paribas Real Estate (formerly Strutt & Parker), where he headed up the firm’s Oxford office. With 18 years’ experience across both public and private sectors, Simon brings expertise in both strategic and non-strategic residential developments, mixed-use schemes, industrial and logistics projects, and rural estate diversification. His work spans site identification and feasibility analysis through to planning applications, appeals, and expert witness appearances.

Simon will focus on expanding Pegasus’ client base and projects across the North and Midlands.

Commenting on Simon’s appointment Seb Tibenham, Executive Director of Planning said: “Simon’s appointment further strengthens our planning capability in the North West. His leadership experience, combined with an impressive track record, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence across the region and the Midlands. We’re excited to have him join the team at such a dynamic time for Pegasus.”

Simon Handy, newly appointed Manchester Planning Director, comments: “I’m excited to be starting this new chapter with Pegasus, where I look forward to supporting the growth of the planning practice in Manchester. Our strength and breadth of expertise across our Planning teams is exceptionally strong, and I look forward to playing my part.”

Clare Preece joins Pegasus as Director of Planning in London, bringing over 25 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Prior to joining Pegasus, Clare was planning director at planning consultancy Fuller Long, where she played a key role in growing their planning team.

Clare has extensive experience spanning the entire planning process, from feasibility studies and pre-application advice through to applications and appeals. Her expertise covers residential developments on both brownfield and green belt sites, and has worked on office and mixed-use schemes, including projects involving schools, care homes, and heritage assets.

Commenting on Clare’s appointment, Henry Courtier, Director of Planning in the London office, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Clare to the team. She brings a wealth of planning knowledge and experience working in London and the South East. Clare will strengthen our planning team, which complements the wider multi-disciplinary offering we can provide within London.”

Clare Preece, newly appointed London Planning Director, comments: “I’m thrilled to be joining the London office at Pegasus at such an exciting time for the team. Along with my Planning colleagues across the country, I’ll be reinforcing Pegasus’ stellar reputation as one of the go-to consultanties for clients seeking planning advice.”