I relocated my Architectural practise to Cirencester nearly 30 years ago and since then have worked extensively on architectural projects in both the town and district. I retired 12 years ago to undertake an MSC in Sustainable Urban Development at Oxford. I  have worked for my wife’s textile business which we relocated from our home in Calmsden to the town around 6 years  ago. I am about to retire as a Trustee of New Brewery Arts, but will continue there as an amateur stone carver. I would like to use my experience, knowledge and studies to help enable the town, through the Neighbourhood Plan, to transition to a low carbon community, which is resilient to the effects of climate change, and takes full advantage of technological change. I am particularly interested in the conflicts between the conservation of Cirencester’s heritage, the conservation of fossil fuels and  the need to provide affordable accommodation for the young in the centre of the town.

I began my career in the 1970’s as a gardener at an historic estate in Surrey before moving to Cirencester in 1980 to run the landscape section of John Jefferies Nurseries. My professional work has subsequently involved me in a diverse range of projects, from rural planning through to urban design. I designed and oversaw the implementation of Cirencester Market Place and  was, for several years, Chairman of Cirencester Civic Society. While Cirencester has many fine attributes that are worthy of the highest levels of protection, it also needs, I believe, to embrace change if it is to retain and enhance its vital qualities for the future.