A strategic development expert with substantial experience in consultancy and District Council planning across the Midlands has joined Leicestershire chartered surveyors Mather Jamie.
Rob Back, 41, of Enderby, has recently joined the Loughborough-based firm as Head of Planning, where he will be working primarily alongside Director Andrew Bamber. He brings with him 15 years of development experience in both the public and private sectors, specialising in the planning and delivery of strategic development sites.
Rob’s background primarily consists of roles in the public sector, during which he was responsible for overseeing several significant developments across the East and West Midlands. In his position as Head of Planning at East Northamptonshire Council, Rob was instrumental in enabling Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre and Leisure Park.
This was followed by a period as Group Manager for Planning & Economic Development at Blaby District Council. Here, Rob helped grant permission for the creation of pioneering Leicester urban community New Lubbesthorpe.
Rob subsequently worked as Head of Growth & Investment at Rugby Borough Council, where he worked on the development of Houlton, a new Sustainable Urban Extension on the former Rugby Radio Station site. Immediately prior to joining Mather Jamie, Rob branched out into the private sector as a Director at DLP Planning Consultants in Rugby.
Originally from Rugby, Rob enjoys family time with his two young children and stays active by swimming, cycling and walking his dogs.
Rob said: “What drew me to the role at Mather Jamie was the company’s fantastic existing client base, as well as its unique market position. As Head of Planning, I’ll be working to identify strategic development opportunities, promote these through the planning system and manage them through to delivery.
“I’m greatly looking forward to working with Andrew and the team here to create and establish sustainable communities across the Midlands.”
Andrew Bamber, Director at Mather Jamie, commented: “Rob’s extensive experience in planning has given him a broad understanding of the development process, as well as a firm grasp of the need for new residential and commercial developments across the region. I believe Rob’s considerable knowledge and skills in these areas will prove to be a real asset to our firm.”
