Our team provides a broad range of expertise for their area, tackling complex planning and development challenges from concept to completion, across diverse landscapes from urban centres to protected national parks.
Richard Dollamore MA, Partner
Inspired by the beautiful landscape and rich history of the South Downs, Richard always looks for how the cultural and environmental qualities of places can breathe life into projects. Qualified in Architecture BA and Architectural History MA, he is committed to making places that resonate with their surroundings and history.
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From The Prince's Foundation for Building Community to traditional architecture firms, he has broad understanding of both the practice and theory of architecture and how new projects can evoke qualities of the past through innovative traditional and contemporary designs. Awards like the RIBA South East Building of the Year, the South Downs National Park Innovation Award, and a string of Sussex Heritage Trust accolades are testaments to his process.
In Midhurst, where he lives and works, you'll likely find him exploring by foot or pedal, or perhaps enjoying a stop at one of the excellent local pubs.
Projects: Nithurst Farm, The Farmhouse and 32 North Street.
Gareth Giles FRTPI, Planning Director
With eighteen years of experience in the town and country planning industry, Gareth leads our planning team as a Chartered Town Planner and Fellow of the RTPI. He enables clients to achieve their goals and supports them through all types of planning projects. He has expertise in the development management process, housing land supply, planning enforcement issues, community infrastructure levy and complex multi-disciplinary development projects.
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He generally manages our larger-scale or more complex project and provides expert witness services to public and private clients.
His prior experience included work within both planning policy and development management teams across Mid Sussex District Council, South Downs National Park Authority and Brighton & Hove City Council. He has held many voluntary roles within the Royal Town Planning Institute south east regional branch, including long-standing membership of the Regional Activities Committee from 2009 to 2019, Chair from 2015 to 2017, and positions on the panel and as chair for Regional and National RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence. He was awarded Fellowship in 2020.
He keeps busy outside of work tinkering with his cars, kayaking off Brighton Beach, gardening, walking the dog and trying to spot rare birds in the South Downs.
Projects: The Phoenix, Cuckmere Haven Flood Defences and Wings Nursery.
Luke Smith MRTPI, Associate Director
With over twelve years of navigating the ever-changing landscape of town and country planning, Luke leads our Hampshire team. His diverse experience, gained in both public and private sectors, including at the South Downs National Park Authority, gives him a unique understanding of planning, with a focus on Hampshire, Dorset and beyond to the West Country.
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Luke brings a strategic and client-focused approach to every project, particularly his specialties: protected landscapes, heritage matters, and any complex puzzle with overlapping pieces. His strength lies in truly listening, delving into the heart of a client's vision or a planning officer's concerns. He builds bridges of understanding, translating the intricacies of the planning process into clear, supportive steps for his clients.
This passion for connection extends beyond professional life. Luke's deeply engaged with the region's artistic spirit, publishing a magazine celebrating its vernacular culture and letting his fingers fly in a local folk band.
Projects: Nash, Frensham Manor and Conholt.
Molly McLean MRTPI, Associate
Molly is a Chartered Town Planner with a masters degree in planning and extensive experience with several local planning authorities in the South East, including Brighton & Hove City Council. More than just achieving approvals, she sees planning as a powerful tool to champion the needs of every community member, especially those often unheard. As an Associate, Molly manages many of our larger projects and often works as part of multi-disciplinary development teams.
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She thrives on working on diverse projects, from bustling new-build residential and major educational complexes to solar farms, replacement dwellings and heritage restorations. Her portfolio includes affordable housing, vibrant workspaces, lush green spaces, essential community hubs, and education institutions. She also spearheads our outsourced planning application contracts for local authorities across the UK.
From Hove to Midhurst and Winchester, she cultivates strong team connections, ensuring we never go too long without a social team day filled with laughter, shared experiences and good beer.
Projects: Chichester College, The Phoenix and Gatliff House.
Luke Austin MRTPI, Senior Planner
Luke is a Chartered Town Planner who brought seven years’ of local planning authority experience to Whaleback. His last role as Principal Planning Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council gives him excellent understanding and insight for projects in the city. He has a masters degree in Town Planning from the University of the West of England.
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Luke works on a full range of development types and has extensive experience of major residential, commercial and purpose built student accommodation. Having grown up in a family of property developers, he understands the combined importance of quality and viability. His expertise and vision pave the way for developments that leave a lasting positive impact on communities and become a source of local pride.
He’s a committed motorcyclist and we’re encouraging him to set up a bike gang: The Humpbacks!
Projects: Petersfield strategic site, The Salterns and The Mill Building.
Amy Wolanski AssocRTPI, Town Planner
Amy is Town Planner in our Brighton office, and joined us following four years shaping Watford’s award-winning Local Plan. With a strong foundation in planning policy, she brings an eye for strategy and expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
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Amy’s work spans a wide range of projects, from strategic land promotion and sustainable housing developments to farm diversification, wineries, and complex historic buildings. She is particularly experienced in enforcement cases and enjoys the challenge of navigating intricate planning issues. While she thrives on the complexities of larger sites, she also takes satisfaction in working on householder and small-scale applications.
Passionate about design and ecology, Amy enjoys seeing how planning shapes places in both practical and creative ways. Having moved from Canada, she enjoys the outdoors and embraces the landscapes of the South Downs, where she spends her free time exploring the countryside through walks and pubs.
Kai Penny MRTPI, Senior Planner
Kai is a Chartered Town Planner who thrives on delivering complex projects. He has coordinated numerous new build residential developments, exceeds client expectations, driving projects to success even under challenging constraints. Beyond new builds, Kai's clear communication, keen attention to detail and understanding of planning regulations greatly benefits his clients on all types of development project.
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Calm, meticulous, and a master communicator, Kai fosters trust and collaboration and keeps clients and planning officers informed every step of the way ensuring smooth project execution. His collaborative approach and unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcomes make him a valuable asset to any project.
Outside of work, Kai's dedication extends equally to his family and his passion for football.
Projects: Chantry View, Terwick Copse and Bonhams.
Ben Edmonds MRTPI, Senior Planner
Ben is a Chartered Town Planner who brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to Whaleback, having previously work for a local planning consultancy in the South Downs and Portsmouth City Council in their Local Plan team. His professional passion lies in rural planning, and seeks to build on his previous experience to deliver nuanced planning solutions for projects situated within sensitive and protected landscapes.
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His previously private consultancy experience focussed on delivering planning solutions within the South Downs National Park, with a broad and versatile skill set that complemented the team’s capabilities.
His City Council work involved navigating complex challenges related to flooding, transport, and infrastructure, demonstrating a strong grasp of strategic planning within a dynamic urban context
He thrives on delivering thoughtful, site-sensitive solutions that respect and enhance the character of the countryside. With a meticulous approach, Ben strives to help clients realise their vision while securing enduring benefits for the places they shape.
Outside of work, Ben spends much of his time trying to balance his keen interest in sport and the outdoors. He’s often found on the golf course, training for triathlons, or exploring the local countryside.
