Mott MacDonald strengthens town planning team

Mott MacDonald has appointed Andrew Walters as planning director for major infrastructure in the consultancy’s UK town planning team. In this newly created role, Andrew will lead a growing team focused on the development and delivery of the major infrastructure consenting process.

An industry expert on consent management for large-scale development, particularly low carbon projects, Andrew has a significant interest in the promotion of a zero-carbon energy mix and has been involved in an extensive range of project and policy work.

A highly experienced chartered town planner and environmental lawyer, he has undertaken lead consent management and strategic advisory on a broad range of infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. These have included developments for construction of deep-water ports, light and heavy rail, bridge, conventional and renewable energy, and waste projects. Andrew also recently completed a five-year tenure as a member of the UK government’s committee on radioactive waste management and was responsible for providing independent scrutiny and advice to the UK Government that would both protect the public and the environment.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Mott MacDonald. I know it’s a company founded on highly talented people with a drive to make a real difference in the world. The urgency to change our approach to major infrastructure has increased and Mott MacDonald is in a perfectly positioned to help clients navigate their response to that. I’m excited by the prospect of embracing holistic town planning principles to connect people to nature, improve their health and happiness, restore eco-systems and achieve zero-carbon buildings, communities and the infrastructure that ties them together.”

Lucy Morton, global practice leader for environment, said: “Our town planning team has grown significantly over the last year, and we continue to respond to the needs of our clients to create inclusive and sustainable places and infrastructure that work in harmony with the environment.”

“Andrew’s extensive knowledge will help us to provide the best possible solutions to support our clients’ net-zero ambitions, and our town planning team will be able to draw on his experience and understanding, to support delivery of these projects.”