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Meet The Team

TSA Planning is a no nonsense, client focused practice with a drive to deliver planning and maximise value for clients. People relationships and planning are in our DNA…

The team is a well matched blend of professionals who bring together experience spanning NI, GB and ROI as well as previous roles in both private practice and public sector councils.

The team puts a strong emphasis on their ability to embrace a collaborative approach, working together with all relevant stakeholders on a project to overcome complexities and deliver for both the client and the wider community and spaces within which they advise.

The continued growth and success of TSA has been achieved through a shared desire to deliver the best result for our clients by way of a fresh, hands on, dynamic approach.

The business benefits from long term relationships with some of the country’s leading property developers, financial institutions, funds and multi-nationals.

The TSA team are immensely proud to have been awarded RTPI UK Small Planning Consultancy of the Year 2023.

Director

Tom Stokes

BSc Hons Dip TP MRTPI IoD

A chartered planner and member of the Institute of Directors, Tom graduated from Queens University Belfast after completing the Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Environmental and Town and Country Planning.

As the Managing Director of TSA , Tom leads a team of 8 and acts for a number of high profile clients and projects across the province. He is particularly passionate about playing whatever role he can to secure and maximise the investment potential of NI and has been involved in advising on multiple major multi-million pound regenerative projects. In addition to this he is a council member of the Belfast Chamber and chairs their regeneration group.

With a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge across all sectors of mainstream planning, both urban and rural, Tom adds value to any work he carries out. Tom combines his vast expertise with a dynamic, results driven approach tailored to each specific project. His success is evident in the continued growth of the business, which is driven by both new client instructions as well as many longstanding repeat client relationships. Tom continues to act as a trusted advisor to some of the country’s largest and leading property developers and funds which is reflective of the quality of service and attention to detail provided by Tom and his team.

Tom is well known for starting early and finishing late but outside of work enjoys the odd city break (as long as there is wifi for emails…), Ulster and Irish rugby, the North Coast, and has been known to enjoy a pint or two…. after a long week!

Phone: 07740 343 163
Email: tom@tsaplanning.co.uk

Technical Director

Damien Broderick

BSc Hons Dip TP MRTPI

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

Office Manager

Claire Jones

The first to join TSA back in 2008, Claire is the welcoming front face of the company responsible for the overall day to day management of the office and overseeing all procedures to ensure an efficient, effective and friendly working environment for the team.

She has built up strong client relationships over the years liaising with clients on a daily basis and providing a personal and professional first point of contact. As an invaluable team member Claire is certainly part of the furniture here at TSA!

In her spare time Claire has a keen interest in painting art with a modest Instagram following and is a mad horror movie buff!

Phone: 028 9043 4333
Email: claire@tsaplanning.co.uk

Associate

Emma McIlwaine

MA Hons MSc MRTPI

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 Planner.

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

Associate

Robyn Nicholl

BSc Hons MSc MRTPI

Robyn joined TSA Planning in January 2020, having spent over 6 years working within both the private and public sectors in England. Robyn began her career in 2013 as an Assistant Planner within the Land Team at Persimmon Homes Wessex (2013-2015), subsequently working as a Policy Planner within the Development Plan Team of Wiltshire Council (2015-2016), before moving to take up role as Senior Planner within Barton Willmore (Bristol office) from 2016 to 2019. She became a Chartered Member of the RTPI in May 2017.

Since joining TSA, Robyn has gained a wealth of experience in preparing and managing planning applications across a wide range of sectors, including; residential schemes (from small scale to large urban extensions), commercial developments (inner city and edge of town), renewable energy proposals (large and small scale BESS facilities), and sensitive restoration of key listed buildings within Belfast City Centre.

Outside of the office, Robyn enjoys supporting local music and on occasion heading to the pub on a Friday after work for a few sips. Having recently taken up trail hiking, Robyn is slowly making her way around the most scenic walks in Ireland and is challenging herself to hiking across Spain on the Camino.

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

Senior Planner

Dani Sterling

BSc MSc

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 a Senior Planner 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

Planner

Thomas Ellison

BSc MSc

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 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

Planner

Ross Duncan

MSci

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

Meet The Team

TSA Planning is a no nonsense, client focused practice with a drive to deliver planning and maximise value for clients. People relationships and planning are in our DNA…

The team is a well matched blend of professionals who bring together experience spanning NI, GB and ROI as well as previous roles in both private practice and public sector councils.

The team puts a strong emphasis on their ability to embrace a collaborative approach, working together with all relevant stakeholders on a project to overcome complexities and deliver for both the client and the wider community and spaces within which they advise.

The continued growth and success of TSA has been achieved through a shared desire to deliver the best result for our clients by way of a fresh, hands on, dynamic approach.

The business benefits from long term relationships with some of the country’s leading property developers, financial institutions, funds and multi-nationals.

The TSA team are immensely proud to have been awarded RTPI UK Small Planning Consultancy of the Year 2023.

Director

Tom Stokes

BSc Hons Dip TP MRTPI IoD

A chartered planner and member of the Institute of Directors, Tom graduated from Queens University Belfast after completing the Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Environmental and Town and Country Planning.

As the Managing Director of TSA , Tom leads a team of 8 and acts for a number of high profile clients and projects across the province. He is particularly passionate about playing whatever role he can to secure and maximise the investment potential of NI and has been involved in advising on multiple major multi-million pound regenerative projects. in addition to this he is a council member of the Belfast Chamber and chairs their regeneration group.

With a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge across all sectors of mainstream planning, both urban and rural, Tom adds value to any work he carries out. Tom combines his vast expertise with a dynamic, results driven approach tailored to each specific project. His success is evident in the continued growth of the business, which is driven by both new client instructions as well as many longstanding repeat client relationships. Tom continues to act as a trusted advisor to some of the country’s largest and leading property developers and funds which is reflective of the quality of service and attention to detail provided by Tom and his team.

Tom is well known for starting early and finishing late but outside of work enjoys the odd city break (as long as there is wifi for emails…), Ulster and Irish rugby, the North Coast, and has been known to enjoy a pint or two…. after a long week!

Phone: 07740 343 163
Email: tom@tsaplanning.co.uk

Technical Director

Damien Broderick

BSc Hons Dip TP MRTPI

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

Office Manager

Claire Jones

The first to join TSA back in 2008, Claire is the welcoming front face of the company responsible for the overall day to day management of the office and overseeing all procedures to ensure an efficient, effective and friendly working environment for the team.

She has built up strong client relationships over the years liaising with clients on a daily basis and providing a personal and professional first point of contact. As an invaluable team member Claire is certainly part of the furniture here at TSA!

In her spare time Claire has a keen interest in painting art with a modest Instagram following and is a mad horror movie buff!

Phone: 028 9043 4333
Email: claire@tsaplanning.co.uk

Associate

Emma McIlwaine

MA Hons MSc MRTPI

Emma graduated from Queens University Belfast in December 2015 with an MSc in Environmental Planning after previously completing an Undergraduate degree in Geography at the University of Glasgow in 2012.

Emma joined TSA Planning in June 2016 as an Assistant Planner. Currently she assists the Planning team in the preparation of planning applications for various land use proposals throughout Northern Ireland, undertakes planning research and liaises with Council planners in order to progress applications through the planning system. Since beginning her role at TSA, Emma has also established professional relationships with architects, traffic and environmental consultants and other local authority agencies. Emma is a Licentiate Member of the RTPI and is currently working towards her Assessment of Professional Competence.

Aside from planning new development, Emma loves planning her future trips to explore new cities and has recently taken up skiing, but that is a work in progress.

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

Associate

Robyn Nicholl

BSc (Hons) MSc MRTPI

Robyn joined TSA Planning in January 2020, having spent over 6 years working within both the private and public sectors in England. Robyn began her career in 2013 as an Assistant Planner within the Land Team at Persimmon Homes Wessex (2013-2015), subsequently working as a Policy Planner within the Development Plan Team of Wiltshire Council (2015-2016), before moving to take up role as Senior Planner within Barton Willmore (Bristol office) from 2016 to 2019. She became a Chartered Member of the RTPI in May 2017.

Since joining TSA, Robyn has gained a wealth of experience in preparing and managing planning applications across a wide range of sectors, including; residential schemes (from small scale to large urban extensions), commercial developments (inner city and edge of town), renewable energy proposals (large and small scale BESS facilities), and sensitive restoration of key listed buildings within Belfast City Centre.

Outside of the office, Robyn enjoys supporting local music and on occasion heading to the pub on a Friday after work for a few sips. Having recently taken up trail hiking, Robyn is slowly making her way around the most scenic walks in Ireland and is challenging herself to hiking across Spain on the Camino.

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

Senior Planner

Dani Sterling

BSc MSc

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 a Senior Planner 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

Planner

Thomas Ellison

BSc MSc

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 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

Planner

Ross Duncan

MSci

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, 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

News

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newsmulg John Mulgrew @newsmulg ·
17 Apr

It's a shame that Trademarket is going from its current site, but it was always going to be a temporary social enterprise development.

Kainos decided to allow it to be put to good community and social use, rather than letting it sit empty for two years

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jp_biz JPCampbellBiz @jp_biz ·
16 Apr

Belfast-based IT firm @KainosSoftware has received planning approval for its new HQ. Builders expected on site in September with occupancy targeted for early 2027. Site is the former Moviehouse cinema on the Dublin Rd with QUB student accommodation being built next door.

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Phone: 028 9043 4333

Email: info@tsaplanning.co.uk

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