John is a practising barrister and dispute resolver at 39 Essex Chambers, London and Manchester.

He is also a member of the RICS President’s Appointment Panel for arbitrators, mediators and independent experts and of the Association of Northern Mediators. Bringing over 40 years experience involvement with design issues in the planning, civil litigation and mediation contexts he continues to bring a unique blend of skills to the Design Council’s Built Environment expertise.

John previously served on the joint Design Council/Highways England Design Review Panel as well as representing the Design Council at the National Infrastructure Planning Association’s Annual Conference of which he is also a member. He has been involved, as counsel, in many design-led projects and public inquiries, both for promoters and local authorities. He has particular expertise in retirement living developments and is a legal adviser and honorary member of the Retirement Housing Group, the industry representative body.