Welcome to Alex Franklin, who has joined as a planner at Hedley Planning Services’ Hexham office.

The move will see him helping the senior team in preparing planning applications and supporting planning statements for residential and commercial clients across the region.

A student member of the RTPI studying for a Masters in Urban Planning at Newcastle University, Alex brings experience of working on instructions, assisting in preparing detailed supporting statements and submissions of all documents for the application.

New work and clients are driving growth for Hedley Planning Services, with the firm currently employing six planning experts plus support staff.

Managing director Sean Hedley said it was important to support young planners’ careers: “The placement will expose Alex to professional practice and new schools of thought. The more young professionals like him do this, the more they strengthen their ability to develop and grow as successful and influential planners.”