James Firth

James Firth

Partner | Chelmsford

James is a Partner of Ceres Property, leading Planning work and supporting clients on a varied range of planning and development projects. He has extensive experience in planning consultancy, having worked in the field since 2013 advising a range of clients. He has been Head of Planning at two national planning consultancies in Essex previously, as well as having roles at local authorities, covering development management and planning policy.

James manages residential, commercial and mixed-use developments on a range of sites, including regeneration, brownfield sites and greenfield urban extensions. The sectors of his work have included: residential and affordable housing, commercial (offices, retail, industrial, logistics), public sector, student housing, hotels, retirement, educations, infrastructure, minerals, and farm diversification and tourism.

James specialises in developing planning strategy with clients and working to achieve planning permission on challenging sites.

James is a chartered town planner and member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Outside of work James spends time with his wife and two children, with interests including motorsports and cycling.

James' Thoughts

James Firth

James Firth

May, 05 2025
Planning Reform Working Paper – ‘Speeding Up Build Out’

The Government has published further details on proposed Planning Reform through a new working paper and accompanying technical consultation aimed at ‘speeding up build out’. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner […]

James Firth

James Firth

May, 05 2025
Hargrave House re-development for the Kids Inspire Charity

The planning team at Ceres Property is delighted to have achieved planning permission on behalf of our client Essex Housing for the redevelopment of Hargrave House, Chelmsford. The scheme will […]

James Firth

James Firth

Mar, 03 2025
Planning Application Fees Increase

The government is pushing forward with changes to Planning Fees in England which will impact on projects for landowners, farmers and developers. The changes provide for incremental increases for most […]

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