Simon is an expert in housing and economic development matters and, since joining Lichfields in 2002, has been involved in advising private sector clients on development strategy and public sector clients on a wide range of policy formulation and implementation matters.
Simon has a particular specialism in housing and economic need and supply issues. He played a central role in the creation and evolution of Lichfields’ Headroom and Sizemix frameworks to identify housing needs and the required mix of homes within an areaHe has defended his work at numerous Local Plan and Local Development Plan examinations and has appeared as an expert witness at a large number of planning inquiries.
He has a further specialism in employment and economic development work which has helped to inform his appreciation of the close relationship that exists between housing and economic development and the extent to which housing can be a key enabling factor for growth. To this end, Simon has tested the economic implications of a number of residential schemes and has demonstrated the range of benefits that are associated with development including job creation, direct and indirect, investment, the promotion of more sustainable communities and fiscal stimuli. He has also undertaken research into the alignment of housing and employment growth and the implications of emerging policy in this regard.
Simon leads Lichfields’ housing business development group which provides advice and support to the firm on all housing issues and is a regular speaker at conferences. He contributes to both print and broadcast media regarding residential development issues, including BBC1’s The Wales Report .
