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Mark Russell.

Mark Russell

Partner.


Newcastle Office

Dean Street Arch

22 Dean Street

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 1PG

Elevation drawings of a modern residential property

Background and Experience.


Originally from the Wirral, Mark spent nearly two decades living and working in Edinburgh before relocating to the North East, where he is now based in Tynemouth. His career has spanned both England and Scotland, giving him a strong understanding of differing planning environments, local authority structures, political influences and the commercial drivers behind development.

This broad geographic experience enables Mark to provide balanced, practical advice informed by both regional insight and a wider market perspective. Having established strong roots in the North East, he is known for a pragmatic, collaborative approach and a focus on achieving successful outcomes for clients.

An aerial image including a CGI augmentation depicting a residential development scheme

Qualifications.


  • MRTPI – Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
  • Overhead of a roundabout
  • Architectural sketch of residential development scheme
  • CGI render of a residential development scheme
  • Glass door with GFW logo applied ajar into a meeting room
  • Drone image of Alnwick town centre and including Alnwick Castle
  • A dilapidated rural building

Key Skills.


  • Strategic leadership 

    Proven ability to lead planning services, shape organisational change and deliver high performance teams.

  • Expert planning judgement

    Deep knowledge of planning legislation development management, appeals and major applications.

  • Negotiation & stakeholder management

    Strong track record of securing outcomes with clients, developers, councillors, and planning authorities.

  • Analytical problem solving

    Logical thinker able to untangle complex planning issues, policy, and organisational challenges.

  • Project & contract management

    Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary projects, resilience contracts, financial reporting, and quality assurance.

  • Communication & engagement

    Confident presenter at committees, public consultations, examinations, and stakeholder forums.

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