Peter Thomas

Principal Planner, Peter Thomas joined Bell Cornwell in 2021 and is a member of our team based in Exeter. Peter’s foundation in public sector roles has provided him with an inherent understanding of development requirements in the South West. His insight is key to unlocking the potential of his clients’ proposals.

Expertise

Peter’s knowledge of local policy and what makes a strong application is thorough. Partnering this with his understanding of the pressures and constraints that LPAs operate under allows him to build the effective lines of communication essential to make progress. Specialising in both rural areas and towns, he works across a variety of projects from small scale householder developments to major planning applications. Since ‘changing sides’, Peter has embraced planning from a different angle by building strong cases for the schemes he represents.

Experience

Peter joined us from South Somerset’s development management team where he was a Planning Specialist, following time at both East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils. Peter has plenty of experience in handling large and broad caseloads having primarily worked for local authorities. Peter sought to work for Bell Cornwell after witnessing first-hand our excellent reputation as a professional local consultancy and our track record of submitting high quality applications.

Education

Following his degree in Law and History from the University of the West of England, Peter completed his Masters in Planning Practice and Research with Cardiff University. He studied whilst working and obtained his Chartership with the Royal Town Planning Institute in 2016.