James McKechnie

James leads our transport planning and Mobility Analytics team, strategically advising developers, planning consultancies, architects, local authorities and end users to help them achieve planning consent and deliver growth supported by sustainable means of transport.

James’ interest in the adoption of electric vehicles has led his Mobility Analytics team to develop StratEV, a new modelling tool that informs EV charging infrastructure implementation strategy. James advises clients with large portfolios on site prioritisation for EV charging infrastructure, as well specifying charge requirements at a site-specific level using unparalleled data insights from StratEV.

Having held roles both within local authorities and private consultancies, James has significant experience on how to successfully engage and collaborate with local authorities and an extensive understanding of how public sector projects are procured and delivered.

He regularly speaks alongside planning, property and legal consultancies about the future of transport and movement, its impact on placemaking and the accessibility of development sites. James also currently sits on the National Highways (NH) national liaison panel for the development industry and has played a key role in shaping NH’s new development control policy. He also advised the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on its response to Government regarding recent changes to the planning system.

With a reputation for both innovation and meticulous research into the transport planning implications of new developments, James is regularly in demand for Expert Witness work at Inquiry and other forms of appeal on high-profile projects.