STEPHEN MCKENNA
Stephen has worked in the field of planning and development for over 30 years. As a qualified Chartered Town Planner and a Chartered Surveyor working in the development process from strategy stages through to implementation, Stephen has in depth knowledge of the planning system. He has worked with communities and charities across the country, often acting as a bridge between developers, landowners, and Local Authorities to deliver better outcomes.
Stephen has a detailed understanding of the assessment and impact of development viability on projects and has designed and delivered a module on this topic for University of Hertfordshire’s MSc Sustainable Planning course for several years. As an elected Borough Councillor in Surrey sitting on the Planning Committee, Stephen is aware of the adverse effect of viability appraisals for example on affordable housing provision contrary to local planning policy. Stephen is familiar with the Section 106 and CIL processes acting for Local Authorities against developers on appeals (e.g. at public inquiries) and has negotiated S106 Planning Obligations drafting from Heads of Terms through to engrossment.
Stephen has a strong interest in community-led stewardship of various assets, including green infrastructure and community buildings, and for several years has developed expertise in assessing these needs and the funding implications. He has undertaken option appraisals and negotiated stewardship packages with developers whereby they fund the long-term maintenance and management of assets especially on large site allocations for housing where green space can be up to 50% of gross acreage. Stephen has worked for the Land Trust in a stewardship development role but has also expanded the concept to enhance community development at CFO.
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