A local authority planning consultant has joined a major property firm.

Senior planning consultant Elizabeth Welch spent 10 years with Dover District Council, but has now joined the property consultants team at Ashford-based Hobbs Parker.

She said: "I’m particularly looking forward to the challenge of reviewing policies and achieving a favourable outcome for our clients, especially as my work now extends to a wider geographical area than was covered by my previous role.”

Prior to her local authority work, SHE worked at Bovis Homes, Barton Wilmore and Ward Homes.

Jon Rimmer, Director of Hobbs Parker property consultants, said: “With experience in the areas of private practice and local authority, Elizabeth has already begun work assessing the development potential of sites and submitting planning applications. She is a welcome addition to the team.”