What's Happening?
UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced the appointment of Caroline McDade as a senior director. McDade joins Lichfields from BNP Paribas Real Estate, where she served as the national head of planning. With nearly three decades of experience in major regeneration, mixed-use, and residential schemes, McDade is set to bolster Lichfields' major projects team. Her role will involve working on large-scale, complex projects across various sectors and geographies. This appointment aligns with the growing demand for commercially focused planning advice, especially in light of government priorities concerning housing delivery, infrastructure, and economic growth. McDade's extensive background includes leading national planning teams
and managing multidisciplinary programs, making her a valuable addition to Lichfields as they navigate an increasingly complex planning and development landscape.
Why It's Important?
Caroline McDade's appointment is significant as it strengthens Lichfields' capacity to handle major projects, which are crucial in addressing the UK's planning and development challenges. Her expertise will be instrumental in advising institutional investors, developers, and landowners, thereby influencing the planning strategies and policies that shape urban development. This move is particularly timely given the government's focus on housing and infrastructure, areas where Lichfields aims to lead. McDade's leadership is expected to enhance the firm's ability to deliver on complex schemes, potentially impacting economic growth and urban regeneration efforts across the UK. Her role could also influence the planning consultancy market by setting new standards for project management and strategic planning.
What's Next?
With McDade's appointment, Lichfields is poised to expand its influence in the planning consultancy sector. The firm is likely to pursue more large-scale projects, leveraging McDade's experience to secure and manage complex schemes. This could lead to increased collaboration with government bodies and private sector clients, aiming to address national priorities in housing and infrastructure. As Lichfields strengthens its major projects team, it may also explore new markets and opportunities, potentially setting trends in planning consultancy practices. Stakeholders in the planning and development sectors will be watching closely to see how McDade's leadership impacts Lichfields' strategic direction and project outcomes.
