We are delighted to announce that Fernham Homes have appointed Steve Baughen as its new Head of Planning, formerly Head of Planning at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. This is a newly created role to support the company’s plans for growth.

Steve brings vast experience of the planning process, having worked in local authorities in Kent for sixteen years and for a national planning consultancy for four years. He spent nearly ten years at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council including the last four years as Head of Planning, where he focused on improving the planning performance of the council and implementing an ‘open for business’ approach. Recently he has overseen the development of the new Local Plan for Tunbridge Wells, which will guide development in the borough up to 2038 and has now successfully reached examination stage.

At Fernham Homes, Steve will help take forward and deliver planning permissions for sites across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Greater London. He will take a strategic view on helping to identify and taking sites through the long-term planning process, as well as supporting the team to secure planning permission on immediate development opportunities. This comes as Fernham Homes aims to increase its output significantly to around 300 homes per year within the next five years.

Headquartered in Tonbridge, Fernham Homes is a trusted housebuilder that has been creating high quality new homes developments in sought-after locations since 1997. As a privately owned business, Fernham is able to act swiftly to make decisions and take developments forward. It is this dynamic and collaborative way of working that attracted Steve to join the company.

Steve Baughen, Head of Planning for Fernham Homes said:

 

“I am pleased to be become part of an organisation delivering new homes that leave a legacy and a positive effect for the long term. Fernham Homes is in a strong position as it embarks on its exciting plans for strategic growth. I am a firm believer in its collaborative approach, by working closely with local authorities through the planning process, while focusing on design and quality of housing to create attractive and sustainable new communities.”

Chris Loughead, Development Director for Fernham Homes said:

 

“We are delighted to welcome Steve into the business.  Steve has joined at an exceptionally exciting time where our land bank is strong, and Steve will be integral to our holistic and collaborative approach.  We are amidst an ever changing and challenging planning environment with further changes to the NPPF expected to be published this summer and as a commitment to our growth plans, we see Steve’s experience and skill set being important to ensuring we attain our plans.”