As an Associate Director in our Planning and Development team, Andrew Gray brings a wealth of experience in delivering complex regeneration schemes and shaping sustainable communities. With a deep understanding of policy, place-making, and the evolving challenges facing UK towns and cities, Andrew plays a pivotal role in driving forward impactful development strategies.
We caught up with him to explore key trends in planning, the potential of Grey Belt land, and his advice for the next generation of planners.
Q1. You’ve been at the heart of award-winning housing delivery and complex regeneration schemes, what’s one project that truly tested your creativity and planning instincts, and how did you overcome the challenge?
During my career in planning and development, the one housing and community redevelopment project I am perhaps still most proud of was the regeneration of Southwick in Sunderland. The scheme consisted of over 300 new homes, with the government committed to delivering decent home standards at the time. Southwick was within the 10% most deprived areas in the UK and suffered from low levels of housing demand. A place-making masterplan was prepared for the local Housing Association, with pre-application discussions with the local planning authority undertaken to ensure a joined up approach. I wrote the overarching masterplan statement for the area, which was subsequently adopted by the Council as interim planning policy, filling a policy void in the Local Plan, and enabling planning permission to be secured.
The regeneration of the area includes a Sure Start centre, community school, extra-care accommodation, and an east-west relief road. I am still proud of encouraging the Housing Association to make a commitment to the community through skills and training initiatives, giving local people new opportunities, aside of just focusing on the proposed built form of the area.
Q2. With the evolving focus on ‘Grey Belt’ land (those underused, previously developed spaces) how do you see these areas transforming the future of sustainable development?
Grey Belt land is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing frontiers in sustainable development policy—especially in the UK, where housing pressures and environmental concerns are colliding in complex ways. Grey Belt land is poised to transform planning and development in several ways which include unlocking housing potential; promoting smart urban growth; balancing nature and need; and driving innovation in planning.
Grey Belt land isn’t just a rebranding—it’s a strategic rethink of how we use space. It’s about making smarter, more sustainable choices in a landscape where every acre counts.
Q3. How can planning applications for Change of Use be a game-changer for businesses looking to grow, pivot, or repurpose space in a shifting economy?
Change of use applications allow businesses to be agile and resilient in a fast paced and changing environment, by for example changing an underperforming retail space into a café or co-working hub. This can maximise property values, by repurposing assets to increase rental yields or resale value. It also helps landlords and tenants adapt to market demand. Fortunately, many changes can fall within Permitted Development rights / Prior Approval, avoiding the need for planning permission. In a shifting economy, flexibility is survival and change of use applications help businesses evolve with a level of certainty.
Q4: What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in the planning industry?
Planning is in many ways like any other discipline, and my advice would be centred on showing a willingness to learn because you never stop learning if you are committed to your career. It is also helpful to find a good mentor, someone with experience who can offer steady insight and direction. Also know what your good at but to also try and stay humble and professional. The RTPI Code of Conduct captures the professional behaviours expected for the role, which essentially reflect planning being for the public good which is what a career in planning should really be about.
Q5. And finally, please could you tell us a fun / interesting fact about yourself.
As a kid on my way to school, Kevin Keegan once stopped his car on a busy Great North Road to let me cross to reach the bus stop. True fact!
Thank you to Andrew for sharing his thoughtful perspectives and valuable expertise. His passion for place-making and community-led regeneration shines through, and we’re proud to have him as part of the Aitchison Raffety Planning and Development team.
If you’d like to speak to our Planning and Development team, please contact us by phone on 01727 844555 or via email at planning@argroup.co.uk