Planner
Joe Ayoubkhani
years
working in planning
miles
cycled for charity
golf
fan
My role as a land promoter seeks to increase the supply, diversity and quality of new homes to help address the housing shortfall.
Where do you work?
I have recently co-founded a strategic land promotion company called Fraser Strategic Land alongside setting up my own planning consultancy. With my land promotion hat on I use my planning skills to find sustainably located land, develop a vision for the site and progress it through the planning system so it’s ‘shovel ready’ for developers to build out.
Through my planning consultancy, Highlight Planning, I provide a full range of planning services to clients from the early appraisal of sites, engaging with local authorities and undertaking community consultation through to the submission and negotiation of planning applications and appeals.
Tell us about your route into planning
My dad was a Civil Engineer and any time we were out when I was little he would point out developments he had worked on (something I do now when I’m out with my family). I think that kickstarted my interest in planning and the built environment.
I studied sustainability and environmental policy at university and started out my career as a Sustainability Consultant trying to improve the environmental credentials of proposed buildings. I worked on some great projects but always wanted a bigger involvement earlier in the development process so moved across into planning.
My role now involves identifying land that is suitable for development and maximising its value for the landowner whilst delivering for the community and the environment.
Helping the public
How does your role involve helping the public?
At Fraser Strategic Land I work collaboratively with key stakeholders and the public to develop a vision and masterplan framework to deliver high quality places. I’m always keen to ensure that the public are aware of the benefits and social value that new development can provide to the local community.
There is an acknowledged urgent need to provide more housing across the UK. My role as a land promoter seeks to increase the supply, diversity and quality of new homes to help address this housing shortfall.
My community
Tell us about any work you’ve done to help your local community
Through my planning consultancy, Highlight Planning, I offer pro bono work to local charities and community groups.
I try and do a charity challenge every year (sometimes just growing a moustache for Movember) and cycled 2100 miles over a 6 month period last year for Velindre Cancer Centre who provide specialist supportive care and treatment for cancer patients in Wales.
Since joining the planning profession, I’ve served on the Young Planners Cymru Steering Group and RTPI Cymru Executive Committee where I will be the Chair in 2023. I’m also the RTPI’s Design Champion for Wales advocating the value of good urban design.
What do you do when you are not planning?
When I’m not looking after my 3 month old, you can usually find me walking my dog Macaroni or out on the bike with my son Toby. I manage to get a game of five a side football with mates in once a week and sneak a round of golf in every now and then when I should probably be at my desk working!