John Weir has joined Montagu Evans as Head of Planning, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to helping clients navigate increasingly complex planning and development challenges. John joins the firm from the Church Commissioners for England, where he was Head of Real Assets. In that role, he oversaw the investment and asset management of more than £2 billion held directly and indirectly in property portfolios across the UK and overseas.
A chartered surveyor and town planner, John brings nearly 30 years’ experience spanning consultancy, client-side leadership and asset management across the private and public sector.
This breadth of experience aligns with the clients and challenges Montagu Evans advises on. In his new leadership role, John will focus on deepening client relationships, building on the successes of the planning team and helping clients unlock value from complex projects and investments.
John joins a team that enters this next chapter from a position of strength. Under Craig Blatchford’s seven-year leadership, the team has grown to more than 100 people, including 35 Partners, and advises on some of the UK’s most complex regeneration, repurposing and development projects. Its expertise spans residential, retail, industrial and logistics and public sector projects across Central London, England, Wales and Scotland. Recent instructions include the City of London’s Custom House, the Fleming Centre in Paddington and Centre Parcs’ first destination in Scotland.
Craig Blatchford will continue in a client-facing role and work closely with John to support a smooth transition. John’s arrival builds on a period of sustained investment across the business. Over the past year, the planning team has been strengthened through the appointment of Tim Price as Head of Commercial Planning and Will Lingard as a Partner in the Central London team, alongside the promotion of Kate Falconer Hall, Emma Lawrence, James Huish and Colin Sinclair to Partner roles.
Alan Harris, Managing Partner, said:
“Planning is one of the firm’s core strengths and plays a crucial role in helping clients navigate increasingly complex development, regeneration and investment decisions. John brings a valuable client-side perspective, deep commercial experience and a strong track record of leadership. He joins a talented team with significant momentum, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on that success.”
John Weir, Head of Planning, said:
“Montagu Evans is well placed to support clients through an increasingly complex market. The strength of the team, clarity of advice and focus on outcomes are what make the firm stand out, and I’m looking forward to building on the momentum already established within the Planning team.”