As Director, Antony Aspbury supervises major commissions. Amongst other things he has appeared as an expert witness at Public Local Inquiries concerned both with major planning proposals and with the preparation of development plans and at examinations in public into regional planning guidance. He also advises corporate clients on the feasibility of development projects and, as a result, is conversant with the latest commercial development practices and with a range of funding arrangements for development including private finance and public sources, such as grants.

MICHAEL JOHN DOWNES
B.A, B.P.I., M.R.T.P.I., Director

Mike has over 20 years' experience working in both private and public sectors. He started as a Local Government Planning Officer, and moved on to the house building industry as a Land Manager and Strategic Planning Advisor for 3 major companies before joining the Practice in 1996. His background gives him an informed insight into the workings of Local Authority, pressure groups and the development industry, which enables him to respond accordingly to any specific client instruction. Amongst his wide-ranging commissions, he is heavily involved in local plan site promotion work for private clients, Development Control outsourcing from local authorities, and advising farming clients as part of the company’s planning panel status with the National Farmers Union.

Matt has had nearly 20 years' experience in Local Government, has worked in Development Control since 1994 and held a Principal Planner's role since 2004, joining the Practice in September 2006. He has had considerable involvement in most types of applications and major development schemes for residential, commercial and retail uses. His background has ensured that he is fully conversant with development processes, ranging from feasibility schemes, supporting statements and Section 106 negotiations through to appeal procedures. Matt has been a fully accredited member of the RTPI since 1996.

Jon, originally from Nottingham, joined Antony Aspbury Associates in September 2008. He has a Local Authority background with over five years’ experience of Development Control and also has experience of working in the private sector for a major house builder. With this background he has a substantial knowledge of the planning system and a sound practical working understanding of the planning process. He has been involved in all types of applications and planning appeals in addition to working on major developments that require Environmental Impact Assessments, Section 106 negotiations and specialist supporting statements. Jon has been a fully accredited member of the RTPI since 2004.

Stephanie commenced her employment with Antony Aspbury Associates Ltd in September 2003 and provides assistance to the Planners in conducting background planning research. Stephanie is currently studying for a Certificate in Planning at Sheffield Hallam University. She is responsible for monitoring the progress of Local Development Framework (LDF) documents and is the company’s point of contact in respect of planning library publications.

Selina commenced her employment with Antony Aspbury Associates Ltd in May 2008, and has worked in administration for the last 4 years. Selina is the company's liaison point for Marketing/Advertising, Information Technology and all other general office management matters. She also deals with the day to day running of the office including diary management and general administration.

Chris Akers – Joined Antony Aspbury Associates Ltd in April 2006. Her previous career scanned 28 years working in various roles within the Banking and Finance Industry. Chris deals with all the day to day financial operations of the Company including Credit Control, Invoicing, SAGE accounts and Cash Flow.