Independent planning and research consultancy Nexus Planning has made two more senior hires in Bristol as it continues to expand its office in the city.
The firm, which has four other offices across the UK, opened the base earlier this year and has rapidly grown its team since. 
Dan Sharp and Lauren Taljaard – both associate-level appointments – are now working closely with seasoned strategic land expert Tony Clements, who was brought in as director to lead the Bristol team and support the consultancy’s existing portfolio of strategic land clients across the South West.
The pair are also helping build business opportunities within Nexus’ market-leading specialisms of housing delivery – including senior living – and town centres, retail and leisure.
Dan, who previously worked for RPS, Walsingham Planning (formerly Ian Jewson Planning) and Rapleys, has experience in diverse areas of planning, with a particular focus on residential and mixed-use developments.
Lauren has more than 20 years’ experience in planning consultancy with knowledge in all aspects of plan making having spent the first part of her career assisting local authorities in progressing their local plans.
More recently she has worked for land promoters and housebuilders, submitting planning applications, with a particular focus on residential and mixed-use developments.
She joins Nexus from Bristol planning, urban design and development consultancy Origin3, where she was principal planner. She has also worked for Barton Willmore and Baker Associates.
Nexus’ Bristol team is now six strong following the appointments of senior planner Joel Grist and administrative and operations support manager Kath Charbonnier.
Nexus Bristol director Tony Clements said: “It is a pleasure to have Dan and Lauren join our newly formed and energised Bristol office.
“Their expertise provides valuable skills to both our budding team and clients alike.
“The coming months are shaping up to be very exciting as we continue to grow our presence across the South West.”
Nexus, which is just shy of its 10th year of operation, has grown almost 10% in the past 12-months alone and now has a team of 44 across its offices in Reading, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
Pictured: Nexus Planning’s new Bristol recruits Lauren Taljaard and Dan Sharp
