At a glance

Emma Lewis, a chartered planner with experience in national planning policy, has joined Cadnant Planning as it seeks to expand in North Wales and the North West. Her background includes working on city centre developments and government legislation, which will aid the consultancy's growth in these regions. This appointment highlights Cadnant's commitment to strengthening its services and presence in Chester and Wrexham.

A chartered planner who launched her career in Yorkshire before helping shape national planning policy at Westminster has joined a growing consultancy targeting further expansion across North Wales and the North West. Emma Lewis has been appointed by Cadnant Planning, bringing experience of major city centre developments, the English planning system and government legislation to the expanding business.

A graduate of the University of Sheffield, Emma began her professional career in Leeds, working in local authority planning before moving into private consultancy, specialising in student accommodation and city centre regeneration projects. She later spent four years in UK Government, contributing to national planning policy and legislation in England, including the National Planning Policy Framework. Her responsibilities included supporting ministers during parliamentary debates in the House of Commons and working with local planning authorities.

Now a Chartered Town Planner, Emma has joined Cadnant Planning as the company looks to strengthen its presence in Chester and the wider North West, building on growing demand for its services.

Originally from near Wrexham, she attended Alun School in Mold before completing a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited integrated Master’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning at Sheffield. Her interest in land and development began early, with a grandfather who farmed and a father working in land and property law.

Following her time in government, Emma took an extended career break, travelling alone to India for six months to practise yoga and explore the country.

“I’d worked on national policy for several years and felt it was the right moment to do something different,” she said.

“I went to India on my own for six months, spending most of that time practising yoga and travelling around the country. I absolutely loved it.

“It gave me time to think about my career and what I wanted to do next. Coming home to Wales was a big part of that.

“At Cadnant, I’m working on my own cases, dealing directly with local authorities and seeing how projects can make a difference to people’s lives.”

Now living in Caernarfon, Emma is involved in projects ranging from affordable housing and public consultations to tourism developments and planning applications across North Wales and Chester. Her experience of the English planning system is expected to play an important role in supporting Cadnant’s ambitions across the border, while her connections in North Wales will help strengthen its growing presence in Wrexham.

“The variety is what makes planning so interesting,” said Emma. “You can be involved in everything from housing and transport to tourism, the environment and the economy. Even a relatively small development can have a big impact on a village or community.

“It’s great to see more women coming into planning and construction. If you’re young and want to make a difference to where you live, I’d absolutely recommend it.

“Everyone here has been so welcoming. I’m delighted to be back in Wales using the Welsh language, working alongside so many supportive colleagues and being part of a company that’s growing.”

With offices in Conwy and Pulford, near Chester, Cadnant Planning is continuing to recruit as demand increases for its planning consultancy services.

Managing Director Sioned Edwards said: “Emma has packed an enormous amount into her career already, and we’re thrilled she’s joined us.

“Her knowledge of the English planning system is particularly valuable as we look to support more clients and projects in Chester and the surrounding area.

“She also has strong connections across North Wales, which is a real asset as we continue to develop our presence in Wrexham and beyond.

“We’re growing because demand for our services continues to increase, and we want to bring more talented people into the business.

“Planning offers fantastic career opportunities, and we’d love to hear from people interested in joining our team.”

Editorial insight

Cadnant Planning’s latest appointment comes at a time when cross-border expertise is increasingly relevant for consultancies working across North Wales and the North West of England. With planning policy diverging between England and Wales, professionals with experience in both systems are in demand, especially for firms aiming to expand their footprint on either side of the border.

The addition of national policy experience is likely to support Cadnant’s growth ambitions, particularly as development activity and regeneration projects continue to drive demand for planning services in the region. For clients navigating differing planning frameworks, access to expertise spanning both English and Welsh regulations offers practical value.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Politics/policy

Cross-Border Planning: Challenges and Opportunities

The appointment of Emma Lewis highlights the challenges and opportunities in cross-border planning between England and Wales. Her experience with English planning policies could influence regional projects in North Wales and the North West.

Target audience regional-news Story potential 7/10 Human interest

Women in Planning: A Personal Journey

Emma Lewis's career path from Yorkshire to Westminster and back to Wales offers a personal perspective on women's evolving role in planning and construction.

Target audience national-news Story potential 6/10