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
Pegasus Group, a leading multidisciplinary development consultancy, announces the appointment of two new Directors to its Planning practice. Clare Preece joins the London team, while Simon Handy joins the Manchester team. Both bring a proven track record and a wealth of experience. Their appointments further strengthen Pegasus’ position as one of the UK’s leading planning consultancies.
Client demand for planning expertise has grown across the country. This includes new housing projects, urban regeneration, and major commercial developments. These senior appointments show Pegasus’ continued investment in their Manchester and London offices. The goal is to meet increasing client needs.
Simon Handy joins Pegasus from BNP Paribas Real Estate (formerly Strutt & Parker), where he led the Oxford office. He has 18 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Simon brings expertise in strategic and non-strategic residential developments, mixed-use schemes, industrial and logistics projects, and rural estate diversification. His work covers site identification, feasibility analysis, planning applications, appeals, and expert witness appearances.
Simon will focus on expanding Pegasus’ client base and projects across the North and Midlands.
Hear what Pegasus Group has to say
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. She brings over 25 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Before joining Pegasus, Clare was Planning Director at Fuller Long, a planning consultancy. She played a key role in growing their planning team.
Clare has extensive experience in all stages of the planning process. This includes feasibility studies, pre-application advice, applications, and appeals. Her expertise covers residential developments on brownfield and green belt sites. She has also worked on office and mixed-use schemes, and 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.”
