Our People
Meet Ian Fletcher
Reading, England, U.K.
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With a track record that includes the Thames Tideway Tunnel, the largest and most complex development consent order of its time, and now the U.K.’s nuclear growth priority, Ian Fletcher brings much-needed strategic clarity to the complicated world of planning approvals. A leader in DCOs, he focuses on fit-for-purpose outcomes that withstand legal scrutiny and enable successful delivery.
You can’t build without the right consent.
That simple note, posted in the Thames Tideway Tunnel office, served as a daily reminder: securing planning approvals is just the beginning. For Ian Fletcher and the consenting team, the real challenge is shaping those approvals to improve implementation and support — not hinder — final project delivery.
A recognized leader in development consent orders (DCOs), Ian has played a key role in securing planning permission and related approvals for some of the U.K.’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Southampton to London Pipeline, the A428 and A12.
His award-winning career reflects his problem-solving mindset and collaborative approach. With broad cross-sector experience, Ian is now a driving force in supporting the U.K.’s nuclear growth priority through fit-for-purpose consenting.
Get to know Ian Fletcher
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6
major development consent orders led
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2008
year Ian began working in senior Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) roles — the same year the Planning Act 2008 was enacted
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7
solar NSIPs prepared for the consenting process
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20 +
years in local government and water utilities
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12 +
years working as a consultant
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4
major awards: Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Silver Jubilee Cup, RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year, Planning Magazine Project of the Year for Thames Tideway Tunnel; and National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) Project of the Year for
How are you solving our clients’ biggest challenges?
Securing consent is always a challenge, but it’s not just about approval — it’s about making sure that consent is implementable, defensible and fit for purpose. It needs to be practical, balanced and less prone to legal challenge by taking all stakeholders into account. There’s little value in consent that results in lengthy delays or invites litigation down the line.
Making the process more robust requires open and honest engagement with local authorities and regulators. It’s important to know when to say no — not every demand should be accepted, especially if it compromises long-term project success.
One of the ways we drive success is through a lean production approach that’s now recognized as industry-leading across clients and sectors. We also offer integrated capabilities across all the disciplines required for civil nuclear and other NSIPs — from environmental and planning to stakeholder engagement. That makes us industry-leading interface managers, able to deliver a coherent, programmatic approach that supports long-term, triple-bottom-line outcomes.
What key lessons have you learned in your career?
A one-team mindset is critical. Strong program culture starts with collaboration and shared ownership. But it also depends on establishing the right governance early — especially in management structures and reporting. When programs fail, it’s often because of fragmented or siloed teams and a lack of embedded consenting expertise at the leadership level.
Building strong relationships with local authorities is essential. Most are overstretched and under-resourced. When we support and empower them — for instance, through planned performance agreements — we help our own programs succeed, too.
What’s your favorite part of your role?
Seeing projects come to life. Around 13 years ago, I was in a meeting discussing the design of ventilation shafts for the Thames Tideway Tunnel. Now, I see those signature shafts — based on a common design concept — rising across London. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch your work become a tangible, engaging part of the landscape, improving lives and communities.