About Us

Murray has an unrivalled breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for all areas of planning and development. Having worked for large multi-disciplinary property companies in the capital and Bristol, Murray formed Avalon in 2014 with the aim to provide a professional and honest planning and heritage consultancy dedicated to client aspirations. Originating from the West Country, Murray knows how to make best use of what the region has to offer, whether it be cycling up the many steep climbs or kitesurfing when the winds howl onshore. Murray is a fully accredited Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Nick joined Avalon Planning in 2019 to meet growing demand for its heritage services. He brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors, including a number of years acting as Regional Planning Advisor for Historic England, and almost a decade in planning and heritage consultancy.

He is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and a licentiate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Jonathan joined the Avalon team in November 2021 bringing with him over 12 years of planning experience gained in both public and private sector, including a long standing role providing strategic planning advice to the Mayor of London. As a chartered planning professional who has worked across a wide-ranging portfolio of development projects, he has extensive experience of working collaboratively and pragmatically with developers, landowners, architects and local authorities to successfully deliver well-designed schemes that optimise planning outcomes.

He joins us from the London office of a national planning consultancy, where, in addition to driving forward complex, residential-led, mixed-use schemes across the capital, he has worked closely with a number of leading Housing Associations and their residents to develop and deliver, long-term estate regeneration proposals of varying scales.

Gavin joined Avalon Planning & Heritage in October 2024, having worked for Local Planning Authorities (most recently East Devon District Council) in the South-West for over 22 years. This experience, predominantly in senior roles, means Gavin brings with him significant knowledge of the planning system, particularly in development management and conservation. 

Originating from the West Country, Gavin has a good working understanding of the issues faced by the region, and is a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Outside of work Gavin is a keen golfer and enjoys family time exploring the region's National Trust properties, as well as supporting his son's football team and daughter's dance group.

Simon spent over ten years as Historic England's Principal Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas and Development Advice Team Leader in the South West. He has worked extensively across the South West, with contacts in, and knowledge of every part of the region. Prior to this, Simon was a building inspector for English Heritage's London region, where he guided the restoration of some of the Nation's best-loved buildings, including Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations, and the National Theatre. 

Simon started his career in heritage managing a steam railway in Eastern Scotland, and maintains interests in transport heritage, serving as a trustee of a local steam railway and as vice chair of Bristol Industrial Archaeology Society. He has a strong interest in contextual new design in historic settings and is a planning problem solver! He lives in Bristol with his young family.  

Alex is a life-long archaeologist and heritage enthusiast with twenty years of professional archaeological experience. With a background in archaeological field-work management and more recently in commercial heritage consultancy, he has a wide breadth of knowledge across the full range of planning related archaeological and heritage services.

Alex has worked on projects nationwide but has a particular affinity with the South West where he has lived for over a decade. He is a full Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and has, until recently, been an active member of the CIfA Advisory Council, providing input into improving professional standards in archaeology.

Bryher joins Avalon with over 20 years of experience within the heritage sector and has a sound knowledge of curatorial and conservation practice alongside expertise in the planning and delivery of major conservation projects. She has particular experience of the operational running of heritage sites and spent many years as a House and Collections Manager for the National Trust. She has extensive knowledge of conservation management, including writing Conservation Management Plans for three significant National Trust properties. She is particularly knowledgeable about the history of the English country house and enjoys researching and analysing historic inventories, sale catalogues, estate records and family histories. A key area of expertise is the understanding and care of historic interiors and collections.

Bryher also has an enthusiasm for industrial heritage and is the Chair of Coldharbour Mill at Uffculme, which is amongst the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country.

Jenny joined Avalon in 2021 and has over ten years’ experience in the heritage sector, combining practical experience in the management of nationally significant historic sites with specialist consultancy advice across a wide range of heritage assets. A full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), she holds a Masters in Historic Building Conservation from the University of Bath and has a particular interest in heritage policy, the assessment of significance and delivering pragmatic solutions that conserve historic character while enabling sensitive change.

Since joining Avalon, Jenny has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from domestic alterations and listed building refurbishments to the conversion of historic hotels, educational buildings and complex commercial sites. She has also prepared Conservation Management Plans and strategic heritage advice for clients across both the public and private sectors.

Elizabeth is a Chartered Town Planner with over 9 years’ experience working on development projects and helping clients, architects and developers achieve their site aspirations.

With previous roles in London and the South West, she has worked on a broad range of projects, providing planning advice, coordinating projects and submitting planning applications and appeals on both urban and rural sites including those within sensitive landscape and heritage contexts.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys exploring the Devon and Cornwall countryside, walking the coastal paths and discovering the rich history of the region.

Chris joined Avalon Planning in September 2023 and has over 7 years of private sector experience having previously worked at established planning consultancies in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol.

He has acted on behalf of a wide range of clients and has extensive experience working on mixed-use, tourism, farm diversification and residential development projects across the UK; taking particular enjoyment from getting challenging projects (of any scale) ‘over the line’.

Chris is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).

Outside of work Chris enjoys playing and watching rugby, exploring the South West coastline and running the occasional half marathon.

Stella has over 10 years' experience working as an Historic Buildings Officer in the south-west region. In addition to this she has an extensive background as a fieldwork archaeologist. She is a full Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

In her spare time Stella enjoys being active and visiting new places, especially if they have some nice old buildings.

Mya joined Avalon Planning & Heritage in March 2023 after completing her Master’s in International Heritage Management and Consultancy. During her course she specialised in adaptive reuse and retrofit of the historic built environment, and is now putting that passion into practice.

Mya is an experienced researcher with a keen interest in architectural history and the environmental impact of the built environment, and is working towards her IHBC Associate Membership.

Outside of work, Mya enjoys bouldering, surfing and visiting castles!

Frankie joined us in September 2024, bringing over ten years of experience from start-ups across the South West and abroad. She’s been a steady hand for companies through funding rounds, team growth, and acquisitions, helping each one adapt and thrive given ever-changing business needs. With a solid background in finance and operations, Frankie is focused on keeping our office running smoothly, driving efficiency, and creating a positive workplace for everyone.

Outside of work, she enjoys rowing across oceans as well as embarking on smaller adventures closer to home.

Cathy joined Avalon in September 2025 to provide more admin support as the company grows. With a background in Sports Centre Management, Cathy moved into administration in 2012 to fit around family life. She has held a variety of roles in local government and brings a wealth of experience particularly in operations.

Outside of work Cathy enjoys making the most of Devon's countryside and beaches as well as playing Netball in the Honiton league.