Background and Experience

Matthew gained a BSc (Hons) Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Dundee in 1986. His first job was as a Planning Assistant in the Development Control section at Wealden District Council. In 1988 he joined East Hampshire District Council and, in 1989, was elected as a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. As a Chartered Town Planner Matthew moved onto Portsmouth City Council in 1990 where he spent 11 years as a Senior Planning Officer in Development Control and Special Projects. He was appointed as Business Team Leader at Chichester District Council in 2001 where he spent 3 years managing a team of Planning Officers who dealt predominantly with commercial planning applications across the district.Having reached the age of 40 in 2003 Matthew decided it was time for a change of direction! In January 2004 he left Chichester District Council and set up his own practice - Pickup Town Planning. Initially he operated the practice on a part-time basis, having obtained a part-time post at Winchester City Council as the West of Waterlooville Major Development Area Project Officer.  By October 2004 Pickup Town Planning had become so busy Matthew decided to leave WCC in order to concentrate full time on building the business.

Over the years Matthew has gained a wide range of experience in the rural and urban planning environments in both the residential and commercial sectors. He currently deals with an extensive caseload of planning matters  including small domestic enquires; householder planning applications; larger residential and commercial schemes, and; a wide range of planning appeal work. Much of his time is spent advising a number of architectural practices, businesses and housing associations. He also undertakes contract work for Local Planning Authorities.