Our team boasts an unparalleled depth of expertise in their area, tackling complex planning and development challenges from concept to completion, across diverse landscapes from urban centres to protected national parks.
Richard Dollamore MA, Partner
Inspired by the beautiful landscape and rich history of the South Downs, Richard always looks for how the cultural and environmental qualities of places can breathe life into projects. Qualified in Architecture BA and Architectural History MA, he is committed to making places that resonate with their surroundings and history.
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From The Prince's Foundation for Building Community to traditional architecture firms, he has broad understanding of both the practice and theory of architecture and how new projects can evoke qualities of the past through innovative traditional and contemporary designs. Awards like the RIBA South East Building of the Year, the South Downs National Park Innovation Award, and a string of Sussex Heritage Trust accolades are testaments to his process.
In Midhurst, where he lives and works, you'll likely find him exploring by foot or pedal, or perhaps enjoying a stop at one of the excellent local pubs.
Projects: Nithurst Farm, The Farmhouse and 32 North Street.
Gareth Giles FRTPI, Partner
With over fifteen years of experience navigating the town and country planning industry, Gareth leads our Brighton team as a Chartered Town Planner and Fellow of the RTPI. He enables clients to achieve their goals and supports them from land acquisitions to final permissions, and has expertise in housing land supply, planning enforcement issues, community infrastructure levy, strategic site promotion and complex multi-disciplinary development projects.
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His expertise spans the planning spectrum although recent work has been weighted towards large-scale, strategic development and as an expert witness to planning appeals.
His skills were developed in planning policy and development management positions at Mid Sussex District Council, the South Downs National Park Authority, Brighton & Hove City Council, as well as within private consultancy. His leadership was further recognised in his appointment as Chair of The Royal Town Planning Institute Region, from 2015-2017, culminating in his Fellowship in 2020.
He is a keen twitcher and migrates across the area to see birds in their varied natural habitats, which are invariably scared away by dog Winnie.
Projects: The Phoenix, Cuckmere Haven Flood Defences and Wings Nursery.
Luke Smith MRTPI, Associate Director
With over twelve years of navigating the ever-changing landscape of town and rural planning, Luke Smith, Associate Director, leads the Winchester team. His diverse experience, gained in both public and private sectors, including at the South Downs National Park Authority, gives him a unique understanding of planning, with a focus on Hampshire, the western stretches of the South Downs, and towards the West Country.
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Luke brings a strategic and client-focused approach to every project, particularly his specialties: protected landscapes, heritage matters, and any complex puzzle with overlapping pieces. His strength lies in truly listening, delving into the heart of a client's vision or a planning officer's concerns. He builds bridges of understanding, translating the intricacies of the planning process into clear, supportive steps for his clients.
This passion for connection extends beyond professional life. Luke's deeply engaged with the region's artistic spirit, publishing a magazine celebrating its vernacular culture and letting his fingers fly in a local folk band.
Projects: Nash, Frensham Manor and Conholt.
Molly McLean MRTPI, Associate
Molly is a Chartered Town Planner with a master's degree and extensive experience with several Local Planning Authorities in the South East, including Brighton & Hove. More than just achieving approvals, she sees planning as a powerful tool to champion the needs of every community member, especially those often unheard.
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She thrives on working on diverse projects, from bustling new-build residential and major educational complexes to solar farms, replacement dwellings and heritage restorations. Her portfolio includes affordable housing, vibrant workspaces, lush green spaces, essential community hubs, and education institutions. She also spearheads our outsourced planning application contracts for local authorities across the UK.
From Hove to Midhurst and Winchester, she cultivates strong team connections, ensuring we never go too long without a social team day filled with laughter, shared experiences and good beer.
Projects: Chichester College, The Phoenix and Gatliff House.
Luke Austin MRTPI, Senior Planner
Luke is a Chartered Town Planner who brought seven years’ of Local Planning Authority experience to Whaleback. His last role as Principal Planning Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council gives him excellent understanding and insight for projects in the city. He has a masters degree in Town Planning from the University of the West of England.
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Luke works on a full range of development types and has extensive experience of major residential, commercial and purpose built student accommodation. Having grown up in a family of property developers, he understands the combined importance of quality and viability. His expertise and vision pave the way for developments that leave a lasting positive impact on communities and become a source of local pride.
He’s a committed motorcyclist and we’re encouraging him to set up a bike gang: The Humpbacks!
Projects: Petersfield strategic site, The Salterns and The Mill Building.
Kai Penny MRTPI, Senior Planner
Kai is a Chartered Town Planner who thrives on delivering complex projects. He has coordinated numerous new build residential developments, exceeds client expectations, driving projects to success even under challenging constraints. Beyond new builds, Kai's deep understanding of regulations and meticulous approach also benefit projects involving change of use, permitted development schemes, enforcement cases, and ensuring technical compliance.
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Calm, meticulous, and a master communicator, Kai fosters trust and collaboration and keeps clients and planning officers informed every step of the way ensuring smooth project execution. His collaborative approach and unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcomes make him a valuable asset to any project.
Outside of work, Kai's dedication extends equally to his family and his passion for football.
Projects: Chantry View, Terwick Copse and Bonhams.
Scott Houston AssocRTPI, Town Planner
Scott, a Town Planner in our Winchester office, thrives on projects with multiple, and often competing priorities. With four years' experience at West Berkshire Council, he's adept at navigating diverse applications, including lawful development certificates, changes of use, prior approvals, commercial applications, new, innovative residential development and historic buildings.
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Scott relishes the challenge of large-scale, multifaceted projects, where he can employ his strong analytic skills and collaborative spirit. He fosters close relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring everyone's voice is heard while striving for the best possible outcomes.
When not exploring the area on two wheels, his time is spent at music gigs and festivals or cutting it up on the ice.
Projects: Old House Barn, Anchorage and Shadforth House.
Amy Wolanski AssocRTPI,
Town Planner
Amy, a Town Planner based in our Brighton office, joined Whaleback in early 2024 after four years shaping Watford’s award-winning Local Plan . With a strong foundation in planning policy, she brings an eye for strategy and a understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
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Amy’s work spans a wide range of projects, from strategic land promotion and sustainable housing developments to farm diversification, wineries, and complex historic buildings. She is particularly experienced in enforcement cases and enjoys the challenge of navigating intricate planning issues. While she thrives on the complexities of larger sites, she also takes satisfaction in working on householder and small-scale applications.
Passionate about design and ecology, Amy enjoys seeing how planning shapes places in both practical and creative ways. Having moved from Canada, she enjoys the outdoors and embraces the landscapes of the South Downs, where she spends her free time exploring the countryside through walks and pubs.
Tom French AssocRTPI, Town Planner
Tom is an accomplished Town Planner with a passion for shaping sustainable and inspiring developments. Tom coordinates project leadership and collaborative support on intricate schemes, drawing upon his 3 years' experience across planning authorities in the southeast.
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He has an aptitude for absorbing and applying technical legislation and has a comprehensive understanding of the planning landscape, applying this to diverse application types. His attention to detail ensures smooth project execution, while his ability to dissect complex issues fosters trust and confidence with clients and stakeholders.
An active member of our Winchester team, Tom contributes significantly to the success of larger projects alongside Luke. He quietly and confidently conveys his knowledge and expertise to achieve optimal outcomes for projects to maximise the potential for success.
When not tackling planning intricacies, Tom will be found on the windswept waters of the south coast. His passion for sailing and windsurfing translates into a deep appreciation and respect for the environment and the imperative for proper preparation
Projects: Holybourne Village Association, Orchard Farm and St Martins.
PRESS
UK's "most sustainable" neighbourhood the Phoenix receives planning approval
It’s the rise of the Phoenix – British new-build homes don’t have to be shoddy and antisocial
PAD Studio wins approval for flood-resilient homes on Hampshire marshland
Coppin Dockray gets go-ahead for homes in Surrey chalk pit
AWARDS
Winner –The Farmhouse
Small Scale Residential Award
Winner – Park Cottage
Small Scale Residential Award
Winner – Graylingwell Chapel
Public & Community Award
Winner – Nithurst Farm
RIBA South East Building of the Year
See our news page for updates
Brighton & Hove:
01273 234354
Winchester:
01962 587376