People

With nearly 25 years of experience, the last 15 under his belt at TSA Planning, Damien is the (not so) wise head in the office. Always willing to lend a hand to the other members of staff, as Technical Director Damien oversees all aspects of work in the office; however, he is very much a Development Management animal and enjoys getting stuck into the many issues that arise in the more challenging planning applications that we are fortunate to advise on. With a close-knit team, the results speak for themselves with TSA Planning securing approval for many large-scale developments and also being voted Small Planning Consultancy of the Year.

Outside of work Damien enjoys not being able to swim (he gets to keep his feet dry on our team building trips to the North Coast), and is an ardent supporter of Scottish and Irish football. Damien also enjoys volunteering in his local Credit Union and community.

Phone: 07727 019 204
Email: damien@tsaplanning.co.uk

Sarah is a distinguished planning professional with over two decades of experience in the public sector.

She graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Planning, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Town and Country Planning, and is a Chartered Member of the RTPI.

Sarah embarked on her career in 2004, quickly establishing herself as a leading expert in planning within the North West.

For the past ten years she served as a Senior Planning Officer in the Strategic Projects Team within Derry City and Strabane District Council. In this capacity, Sarah managed and executed numerous high-profile projects, significantly contributing to the region’s development and growth. Sarah has brought this wealth of experience, expertise and professional acumen to TSA Planning, joining the firm in June 2024.

Outside of her professional life, Sarah is a certified Zumba Instructor for both adults and children, actively promoting fitness and wellbeing within her hometown. She also enjoys weekend walks on the beach with her dog along the Donegal Coastline.

Phone: 07739 327 117
Email: sarah@tsaplanning.co.uk

Emma joined TSA Planning in June 2016 as an Assistant Planner, after graduating from Queen’s University Belfast with an MSc in Environmental Planning. She became a Chartered Member of the RTPI in 2018 and has since progressed to the role of Associate Director.

During her time at the company, Emma has developed strong professional relationships with architects, consultants, local authority officers and clients. In the day-to-day, she is responsible for the management of a range of major planning applications, with a focus on the Residential and Retail sectors, and is the go-to member of the team for any queries on the new Local Development Plans.

After a busy week you will most likely find her de-stressing on Friday evening with a glass of wine and a good book or watching Gardener’s World. However, as a true Geordie, Emma’s favourite place to be is on the dance floor with her friends.

Mobile: 07943 778 774
Email: emma@tsaplanning.co.uk

Dani graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2018 having successfully completed a Postgraduate degree in Planning and Development; with distinction. Following graduation, Dani secured employment with a small Private Consultancy in Scotland, where she gained a variety of experience in relation to site appraisals, Local Development Plan monitoring and submission of local and major Planning Applications.

Dani returned to Northern Ireland in 2019 and took up a position with a Local Planning Authority working as a Planning Officer for 4 years. In this role, Dani gained experience in determining Planning Applications, presenting at Planning Committee, supporting applications at appeal, and managing Assistant Planners. Dani joined the TSA team in 2023 as an Associate and plays a role in managing, coordinating and submitting planning applications for commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use schemes.

Outside of the workplace, you’ll find Dani trying all the best brunch spots across NI and spending most of her time outdoors, exploring various walking and hiking trails with her two dogs Beau and Ruby. Not usually a home bird, Dani takes every opportunity to travel, most recently visiting Australia and New Zealand.

Phone: 07376 455 811
Email: dani@tsaplanning.co.uk

Thomas graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2021, having successfully completed an undergraduate degree in Planning, Environment and Development (BSc) and a postgraduate degree in City Planning and Design (MSc).

Thomas joined the team in February 2022 as an Assistant Planner, and quickly became promoted to Senior Planner. Currently Thomas assists the TSA team through the preparation and submission of planning applications, managing consultation responses, preparation of planning statements, undertaking site background checks and liaising with Local Authorities to ensure a smooth progression of applications through the planning system. Thomas is a Licentiate Member of the RTPI and is currently working to obtain Chartered Membership.

Thomas enjoys working in the busy office with the team however, when not at work, you will find him going to the North Coast or visiting NI’s best coffee shops and is always keen for a TSA night out!

Phone: 07939 949 052
Email: thomas@tsaplanning.co.uk

Ross graduated from Ulster University in 2020 with his dual RTPI and RICS accredited MSci in Planning, Regeneration & Development.

Ross joined TSA Planning in 2022 as an Assistant Planner, now in his current role as Planner who conducts site background checks, assists the team in preparing planning applications to submission for a range of projects throughout Northern Ireland, while liaising with local planning officers throughout the planning process. Ross is a Licentiate Member of the RTPI and is currently working towards his Assessment of Professional Competence.

Apart from being in the office Ross attends the gym on a regular basis and enjoys anything to do with the outdoors, for a positive physical and mental wellbeing. Ross also completes in Olympic Skeet shooting representing Northern Ireland at a National level. Competitive shooting has taught Ross a few life lessons, in terms of taking one step at a time and to always keep your eye on the target!

Phone: 07889 364 914
Email: ross@tsaplanning.co.uk

After graduating from a degree in Law in 2023, Lidia successfully completed a postgraduate degree in Planning and Development at Queen’s University Belfast. Throughout her time at university, Lidia gained valuable experience in the legal sector and recently expanded her horizons as Committee Member of the RTPI Young Planners NI. Following her graduation in 2024, Lidia has taken up the post of Assistant Planner with the TSA Team.

In her current role, Lidia provides crucial support to the TSA Team by preparing planning applications, conducting site background checks, tracking consultation responses, drafting planning statements, and liaising with key stakeholders to ensure a streamlined planning process. Lidia is currently a Licentiate Member of the RTPI and working towards full Chartered Membership.

In her spare time (when she isn’t commuting from Newcastle, County Down!) Lidia stays true to her Italian heritage by cooking for her friends and family. As a passionate foodie, she loves exploring new restaurants whenever she gets the chance!

Phone: 07903 781 757
Email: lidia@tsaplanning.co.uk