Navigating the planning system is challenging, not just for developers, consultants and communities, but landowners too. Planning Director, Jenny Ellender knows first-hand how complex it can be and has a proven track record of getting results.
With over 10 years’ experience working in private consultancy in London, Jenny has advised on a broad range of projects throughout her career. Before joining Colecar Strategic Land, Jenny worked at both DP9 and Barton Willmore, supporting on schemes ranging from residential and commercial developments to heritage buildings, leisure schemes and wider regeneration projects.
Be it Local Plan promotion, planning applications and appeals across both brownfield and greenfield sites, Jenny’s experience is broad ranging. That breadth of experience provides a practical understanding of how to move projects forward, while at the same time balancing the many competing pressures that exist within the changing planning landscape of today.
Jenny commented; “What I like most about planning is that no two projects are ever the same. The built environment is constantly changing and every site comes with its own set of challenges. It can be frustrating at times, but that’s also what makes the role interesting.”
One of the most important parts of the process for Jenny, who spearheaded Colecar’s Sustainability Strategy, is collaboration bringing together the right people to achieve the best possible outcome for landowners and communities alike.
“I really enjoy working with a strong team around me to find solutions. Good planning shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes; it should be about creating places that work well, are sustainable and genuinely appropriate for the area.”
She believes one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at the moment is the constant change within the planning system, alongside the increasing pressure being placed on Local Authorities.
“It is frustrating. The goalposts seem to move continually, which creates uncertainty for everyone involved. Local Authorities are also under huge pressure, and that inevitably impacts the process.
“I don’t want planning to become something that is driven mainly through appeals. The best results come when there is genuine collaboration between landowners, Local Authorities and communities to create thoughtful, well-designed schemes that work for everybody, while also ensuring landowners achieve fair value from their land.”
That balanced and collaborative approach is a key part of how Jenny works at Colecar Strategic Land: focusing on clear advice, practical thinking and building positive relationships throughout the planning process.
Outside of work, Jenny likes to keep active and spend as much time outside as possible, whether that’s refining her right hook while boxing, practicing Pilates, hiking or walking the dog. She’s also a keen tap dancer, a hobby that perhaps reflects the balance, discipline and quick footwork often needed in planning itself.
