Birmingham

Gerald Sweeney - Commercial Director and Head of Office

Gerald Sweeney, BSc (Hons) DipTP MRICS, MRTPI (Mobile 07977 214 152) - Gerald has over 17 years experience in a wide range of planning disciplines working for both Private and Public Clients. He specialises in the delivery of detailed and complex development projects. Prior to joining Alliance Planning over 6 years ago, Gerald held senior positions in Drivers Jonas and GVA Grimley.

In his spare time, Gerald enjoys family time, playing golf, watching rugby and cooking Thai food, with any remaining time spent with friends and on socialising.

Office Tel No. 0121-410-2703

Richard Cooke - Senior Planning Consultant

Richard Cooke - BA (Hons) DipTP, MRTPI - Richard joined Alliance in 2006 having gained experience working in a large multi disciplinary environmental consultancy in the West Midlands and then a large architectural practice in the South West of England.  He is currently working on a wide range of planning projects including site appraisals, leisure, commercial, residential, transportation and regeneration projects.

Richard follows both cricket and football during his spare time, and also enjoys running.  He also likes live music and travelling to new destinations.

Kamaldeep Saini - Planning Consultant

Kamaldeep Saini, BA (Hons), MSc - Prior to joining Alliance Planning Kamaldeep was a full time student at Birmingham City University and successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Town and Country Planning.  Kamaldeep has now gained one years experience working on a variety of projects.  These include: strategic regeneration projects, tourism and recreational developments and transportation projects.  As part of her work Kamaldeep has undertaken various public consultation and stakeholder events for several major projects.
 
In her spare time, Kamaldeep enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling, reading, ice staking and going to the theatre.

Paul Ellingham - Director

Paul Ellingham MA Town Planning MRTPI (Mobile 07968 389 331) - Paul joined Alliance Planning in January 2005 as Associate Director and brings with him 20 years of planning experience. Paul was promoted to Director in August 2007 and is responsible for developing the Birmingham Office and providing planning advice to a range of public and private sector clients.
 
Paul previously worked in local government and more recently was head of planning at the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive. Paul has been a member of the RTPI since 1994 and has extensive and varied experience in major infrastructure projects, health, education and regeneration projects.

Emma Evans - Assistant Planning Consultant

Emma Evans, BA (Hons) - Emma has been involved a range of projects including public consultation coordination and Strategic Regeneration projects. Prior to joining Alliance Planning in September 2007 Emma undertook a three month summer placement at Smith Stuart Reynolds. Emma has completed an undergraduate course at Birmingham City University in Town and Country Planning in 2007 and is currently studying towards a Masters in Property Development.
 
In her spare time, Emma enjoys travelling, socialising with friends and going to festivals.

Mark Walton - Associate Director

Mark Walton BSc (Hons) DipTP MRTPI – Mark has over 15 years experience working in the public and private sectors in a variety of planning roles. Mark joined Alliance Planning in 2004 prior to which Mark held senior positions with MJCA and Dorset County Council.
 
Mark has worked on a wide variety of projects but specialises in developments relating to mineral extraction, waste treatment and renewable energy production. He regularly prepares, contributes to and co-ordinates Environmental Impacts Assessment in connection with major development projects.  Recent projects include; retail-led schemes; wind farms and mixed used regeneration development.
 
In his spare time, Mark enjoys watching football and speedway, playing badminton, travelling to new destinations and socialising with friends and family.

Julie Turvey - Team Secretary

Julie has worked for Alliance Planning for 3 years and her role within the company is Team Secretary.  Julie looks after the smooth running of the Birmingham Office and all administration duties.
 
Julie has over 23 years experience in PA / Team Secretary roles covering all aspects of secretarial and office management duties.  She has worked in large and small organisations over the years and is not afraid of a challenge.
 
In her spare time, Julie enjoys the Cinema, walking, babysitting, socialising with friends and going to the Theatre.

Ben Taylor - Assistant Planning Consultant

Ben Taylor, BA Hons MA - Ben is a relative newcomer to planning and Alliance is his first job in this sector.  Having previously studied Geography at the University of Sheffield, he went on to complete an MA in Spatial Planning at Birmingham City University.
 
In his spare time, Ben enjoys playing and watching sport, particularly football and cricket, watching films, spending time with friends, scuba diving and listening to music.

Keith Fenwick - Director

Keith Fenwick BA (Hons) MRTPI (Mobile 07725 025 023) – Keith joined Alliance from leading commercial property developers Castlemore Securities in January 2009, he brings over 20 years experience in planning, both on the consultancy and client side.  Having spent much of his early years in planning working on retail and other commercial schemes, Keith has more latterly been involved at the forefront of some of the country’s leading residential led urban regeneration schemes, including the redevelopment of the 90 acre Southall Gasworks site in West London, a scheme commended by Cabe for its design sustainability.

In his spare time Keith enjoys the Theatre, Cycling, the solitude of the Malvern Hills and doing the Daily Telegraph crossword on a Saturday (when it’s easier).