Gemma Newall
Gemma joined Heatons in 2025 and is a highly experienced planning consultant with a diverse portfolio spanning waste, minerals, energy infrastructure (including wind, solar, EfW, and battery storage), and strategic-scale development projects. With a strong track record in both the public and private sectors, she has successfully delivered complex planning applications, led multidisciplinary teams, and project managed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for high-profile schemes.
Gemma is adept at preparing feasibility studies and coordinating the production of specialised planning documentation such as Socio-Economic Statements and Construction Environmental Management Plans. Her experience ranges from Green Belt developments and agricultural diversification to major infrastructure projects like new highways, overhead lines, rail connections, and energy Development Consent Orders (DCOs).
She has provided planning expertise for a wide range of applications including waste transfer stations, MRFs, anaerobic digestion facilities, landfill and brickworks operations, change of use proposals, Article 4 directions, written representation appeals and lawful development certificates. Her versatility is further demonstrated through her work on projects such as a large London mixed use scheme including a school, industrial units and high-rise housing, housing developments on Grey and Breen Belt land, mixed-use developments, and single-plot housing including house extensions — supporting in terms of project management from initial feasibility to supporting statements, Design and Access Statements and the collation and completion of EIAs.
Throughout her career, Gemma has worked with a broad client base including landowners, developers, utility providers, energy companies, schools, local authorities, and mineral and waste operators. Prior to joining Heatons, she gained extensive consultancy experience at leading firms such as Wardell Armstrong, Fairhurst, The Wates Group, WSP, PWA Planning, Capita, and Iceni Projects.