Midlands planning consultancy Marrons Planning has bolstered its urban design service with the appointment of Jared McQueen-Pullen. Having launched the new service less than a year ago, the consultancy is strengthening the team in response to growing demand for architecture and urban design advice.

Jared joins the team from Dudley Council, where he was responsible for setting the vision and standard for design within in the borough.

Prior to that, Jared was senior planning officer at Birmingham City Council’s city centre planning policy team.

Notable projects Jared has worked on include the Rea Valley Urban Quarter supplementary planning document – a major masterplan to provide around 10,000 residences and a major river rejuvenation project, as well as working on £1 billion worth of projects for the placemaking and regeneration within Dudley.

In his new role, Jared will be working with strategic land promoters and developers on urban regeneration projects, land promotion and urban extensions. Seeing projects from feasibility through to planning approval, including creating masterplans and urban design schemes, Jared will be utilising his local authority expertise to help clients navigate the complex planning process.

Jared said: “Marrons Planning has enviable experience in delivering placemaking and development to a high standard, consistently delivering successful outcomes for clients and the communities they are involved in.

“The aspirations of the urban design team are truly exciting and I'm looking forward to working alongside experienced professionals within Marrons Planning and the wider Ampa group of brands. I love the role that urban design has in shaping the future of places.

“As designers, it is our role to get the best out of the site as presented to us, working with its opportunities and constraints to achieve the best situation possible for our clients and the future communities who will inhabit them.” Jared will primarily be based at Marrons Planning’s Birmingham hub, but will be working with clients nationally.

Alex Craggs, who heads up the urban design team, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jared into the team. His planning and urban design experience is a dream mix for our clients and we look forward to seeing his innovative take on projects. We have significant plans for growth across our urban design service and throughout Marrons Planning and look forward to Jared being part of that journey.”