Leading UK planning and development consultancy has announced the appointment of a new Associate Director as it continues to expand its operations in the capital in response to growing demand.

Andrea MacGregor-Barbour has joined Lichfields and is based in the company’s London office. She will work closely with Ian Anderson, Senior Director, and the rest of the team to support and develop the company’s portfolio of commercial projects.

She joins from Marks & Spencer (M&S), where she spent 17 years as Town Planning Manager, playing a pivotal role in the strategic reshaping of the store estate and leading the planning and development programme across the UK. At Lichfields, she will be advising key clients, including David Lloyd Leisure and McDonald’s, on commercial developments from feasibility through to securing planning approval.

Ian Anderson, Senior Director at Lichfields, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Andrea to our team. Her extensive experience in planning and development, coupled with her proven track record at M&S, makes her a valuable addition as we continue to expand our commercial services. Andrea’s insight and expertise will help our clients navigate the challenges of the current planning environment.”

Andrea secured planning consents to enable the opening of 19 new stores in the last two years at M&S, significantly contributing to the company’s real estate transformation. She now looks forward to applying this experience at Lichfields where her focus in the employee-owned company will be on assisting clients with complex planning issues and facilitating their expansion plans across the UK.

Commenting on her new role, Andrea MacGregor-Barbour said:

“I am thrilled to join the UK’s preeminent planning consultancy, and the chance to work with a broad range of blue-chip corporate clients, seizing opportunities arising from the Government’s economic growth agenda. I look forward to harnessing my commercial planning experience and adding value to our clients’ development proposals.”