Atkins’ Jonathan Foster-Clark named as Co-Chair of Bristol’s Planning, Transport and Climate Group

25th October 2021

Jonathan Foster-Clark, Senior Transport Strategy Advisor at Atkins (a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group), has been named as Co-Chair of the Business West Planning, Transport and Climate Group, taking over from Roger Key, who has stepped down after 13 years following retirement. 

The Group, which provides an authoritative and independent voice on planning, transportation infrastructure and related climate change issues in the city region, is made up of some of Bristol’s largest employers and local planning, transport and environmental experts, from Avon Wildlife Trust and Bristol Green Capital Partnership to University of Bristol and Network Rail. 

In monthly meetings convened by Business West, the Planning, Transport and Climate Group makes representations on behalf of the business community to local authorities on key issues, such as Bristol’s Clean Air Zone and the sub region's strategic plans. 

Outgoing Chair Roger Key of Key Transport Consultants, comments: “I’m absolutely delighted that Jonathan has taken over the reins as Co-Chair of the Planning, Transport and Climate Group. Jonathan has been an incredibly active member of the Group over many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help drive the development of this region forward.”

A 25-year veteran of the planning and transportation industry, new Co-Chair Jonathan has worked on a number of high-profile national projects, including the long-term transportation strategy to support the Midlands Engine programme. More recently in 2017 Jonathan worked local authorities across the West of England authorities to develop a similar strategy to support long-term growth to 2040. He comments: 

“The Planning, Transport and Climate Group has a long track record of working with and challenging local authorities to improve transportation provision locally for residents, business and visitors alike. In my role as Co-Chair, I will seek to put climate change and sustainability at the core of mobility developments in this region to ensure that the Bristol city region remains an attractive place to live and work for future generations. I’d like to thank Roger for the support he has given me and more broadly for his work in establishing this Group as the voice of business on key local planning and transport matters."

Jonathan assumes the role of Co-Chair with immediate effect and will work alongside fellow Co-Chair Kevin Gibbs who is Senior Counsel and Head of Strategic Planning at Womble Bond Dickinson to lead the Planning, Transport and Climate Group as the city region recovers from the economic impact of COVID-19. Welcoming Jonathan Foster-Clark and thanking Roger Key for his contribution as Co-Chair, planning expert Kevin comments:

“Roger has been a stalwart in the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure for many years and I know I speak on behalf of the business community in thanking Roger for working tirelessly to ensure that the voice of business is heard by our local authorities on key issues. I look forward to working more closely with Jonathan in the coming months and years ahead; his expertise will no doubt prove invaluable in light of the government’s levelling up agenda and developments locally such as regional devolution and the Western Gateway.”

To find out more about the Planning, Transport and Climate Group visit: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/initiative/west-of-england/planning-and-d...

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