Rafa is a town planner and urban design specialist with extensive experience in the public sector in the delivery of high-quality development in protected landscapes. He currently works with Troy Planning + Design as an Associate, taking the lead on a diverse range of planning and urban design projects.
Rafa is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRPTI), and his experience has focused on development management in Local Planning Authorities, including the assessment of a development proposals and advising on the design quality of projects. His experience also involved leading negotiations between the Local Planning Authority and developers, involving stakeholders, as well as participating at Planning Committee meetings. Rafa has also experience in advising the public and private sector on the suitability of land for development and concept design, as well as in plan-making. This includes the making and review of design-related policies for Local Plan and Neighbourhood Development Plans, as well as area action plans, development briefs, and supplementary planning documents. Plan-making work entailed preparing and assisting stakeholder workshops and engagement events.
His roles in development management and plan-making involved the identification of development opportunities in the countryside and urban areas, which were supported with desktop and on-site analysis of opportunities and constraints. He has also been involved in a ‘Call for Sites’ and the subsequent review and analysis of development opportunities, identifying developable areas, approximate quantum of development, uses, densities and layout design considerations.
He is currently responsible for research for planning and design projects, contributing to the drafting of Local Plans and Neighbourhood Development Plans and supporting technical evidence, including involvement in Local Plan examinations in public. He also prepares representations for development plan consultations and planning application consultations.
