Huw Evans is an independent Planning Consultant working primarily in North and Mid Wales. He is a very experienced planner having worked for 35 years in the public sector and a further 7 in private practice. He has a detailed knowledge of both development management and planning policy having dealt with major complex proposals and planning inquiries and been responsible for bringing forward local and unitary development plans in Wales.

His responsibilities have also included countryside management and the built and natural environment. Huw has first-hand experience of dealing with wildlife and countryside management issues within the planning context. He was responsible for the production of the first management plan for the Gower AONB which at the time contained 3 national nature reserves and 19 Sites of Special Scientific Interest together with many locally managed nature reserves. He also took a leading role in guiding and producing the Dee Estuary Strategy which introduced guiding principles in dealing with a development that could impact the designated RAMSAR, SPA, SAC, and SSSI area.

He has a good understanding of the planning framework throughout Wales having been actively involved as Chair of Planning Officer’s Society Wales and Planning Adviser to the Welsh Local Government Association. His knowledge is up to date having revised the Planning Handbook published for all Councillors in Wales on behalf of the WLGA as well as organising the training programme for planners in North Wales on behalf of RTPI Cymru. He is currently a Planning Adviser to the Public Services Ombudsman in Wales.