Andrew Cann B.A. (Hons) MCILT APM, Director

Andrew studied Geography at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) before embarking on a corporate career. His corporate responsibilities involved the securing of major planning consents for international investment holding company, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. During this time, Andrew acquired considerable knowledge of and experience in planning, transport planning, shipping, rail construction, operations, logistics, procurement, I.T. and local and national government. 

Having also enjoyed a brief stint as a local councillor, Andrew has developed an unrivalled understanding of the planning system from both sides of the divide; as both applicant and decision-maker. He has given expert evidence in a number of public forums, including the House of Lords.

Andrew founded Planning Direct in 2012, having recognised a gap in the market for a planning consultancy with customer service and care at its heart. His first major win led him to be called ‘The man who beat Tesco’.

Andrew is an avid Formula One fan, aspiring sailor and foodie. 

Andrew oversees all aspects of the business and deals with complex new enquiries. Need assistance with a new major planning project? Click the button below to send us an enquiry. Our initial advice is always free.

Steve Miller DipTP MRTPI, Principal Planning Consultant

With over 40 years’ experience in all aspects of planning, Steve has seen and done it all. Steve has been involved in countless major planning cases, including various Public Inquiries, presentations to Planning Committees and attendances at High Court. 

Before joining Planning Direct in 2016, Steve was Head of Planning at Ipswich Borough Council.

Steve specialises in complex appeal and enforcement cases. Recently, he managed to overturn a local council’s refusal of 5 new houses on an agricultural field in the Essex Green Belt.

A long-standing member of the RTPI, Steve is also a Maurice Hellier Award Winner, having been the highest achieving student in his cohort.

On the weekends, Steve loves to sail and is a member of the Pin Mill Sailing Club.

Are you facing enforcement action? As our resident enforcement expert, Steve is the best person to speak to. Click the button below to find out more about dealing with planning enforcement.

Nikki O’Hagan B.A. (Hons), Head of Planning Appeals, Heritage, Policy and Media

Nikki has a lifelong passion for writing, literature and linguistics. She spent a good portion of her early childhood in the local library.

Having grown up in Milton Keynes, she moved to Southampton to study French at the University before landing in Ipswich. Following completion of her award-winning degree, she spent a few years working as a supervisor in various busy town centre pubs, also enjoying a brief stint bartending in Paris.

Nikki joined Planning Direct in 2017, where she rapidly progressed to management. She is involved in all aspects of the business, although she specialises in heritage, appeals work and policy.

Nikki is also responsible for the business’s website and social media content. In recognition of her efforts in this area, Nikki was promoted to head of media in 2024.

Nikki has written a Neighbourhood Plan for a rural parish in Tendring, Essex. This was formally adopted with only minor modifications in October 2024 and is now part of the development plan for the area.

She has also produced a comprehensive heritage report for one of Ipswich’s most important landmark buildings, the Tolly Cobbold Brewery.

Nikki submitted her application to the RTPI in 2025 and hopes to become a Chartered Town Planner this year.

In her spare time, Nikki can usually be found walking or otherwise pandering to her dog, Rudy.

Nikki is the best person to speak to if you require assistance with a planning appeal, heritage case or public planning document. Click the button below to find out more about planning appeals.

Jamie Cann B.A. (Hons), Head of Planning Applications

Jamie was born in Ipswich and lived in the county of Suffolk for 40 years before moving to the Norwich area with his wife and family where he currently lives.

Having worked in the development departments of various housing associations for the majority of his working life thus far, Jamie is pleased to have been able to contribute towards improving and expanding the stock of affordable housing within the UK for the benefit of the community.

Heading up the planning applications team at Planning Direct, Jamie is responsible for preparing, submitting and managing all types of planning applications on behalf of his client base and has worked for Planning Direct since 2016. 

Over his career, Jamie has secured planning permission for thousands of new homes, including multiple new housing schemes outside of settlement boundaries and in the open countryside.

Much to our client’s satisfaction, Jamie’s recent dedication to one challenging enforcement case caused the local council to withdraw their enforcement notice and pay our client’s costs.

Jamie is a keen football fan and is probably one of only a few people within the Norfolk area to support Ipswich Town Football Club. He has previously represented his former county, Suffolk, at pool and is also an avid snooker player, having once defeated a reigning world champion.

Jamie is the best person to speak to if you require assistance with a planning application. Click the button below to find out more about planning applications.

Holly Weston B.A. (Hons), Operations Manager

Holly is from Ipswich but moved to Manchester to study Geography at the University of Salford, graduating during the pandemic in the summer of 2020.

Following graduation, Holly returned to Ipswich where she joined Planning Direct in January 2021.

Holly’s role is Operations Manager. Holly is the first point of contact for new clients and she handles most new enquiries. She also manages our financial accounts and assists and advises her colleagues on a wide range of administrative and technical planning issues.

Holly enjoys reading, cooking, baking and spending time with her family. She has recently been delving into Feminist literature and is also a regular at her local gym.

Talk to Holly if you require assistance with just about anything!

Lisa Stevens, Landscape Designer

Lisa started her career in banking but changed vocation early on to become a Landscape Designer.

With over two decades of award-winning work behind her, Lisa joined the team in 2021 to provide our Garden Planning and Landscape & Visual Impact Services.

Lisa is a keen gardener and animal lover. She also enjoys attending gigs and music festivals.

Lisa is the person to speak to if you’re in need of a garden or landscape plan. Click the button below to find out more about this service.

Craig Merrell, CAD Technician

Craig’s background is in retail, management and sales. He joined Planning Direct in 2023 as a trainee CAD technician. His role at Planning Direct includes the preparation of detailed planning drawings for a wide range of domestic and commercial projects.

Craig is passionate about architectural innovation and strives to integrate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices into his design work, wherever possible.

Craig is a sports enthusiast and avid cyclist. He is proud to have participated in the London to Brighton bike ride for the British Heart Foundation five times! He is also a member of the Woodbridge Rowing Club.

Ethan Cann, Researcher

Ethan was born in Ipswich and returned to the town in 2023, following a 4-year period living in London.

His role involves the provision of research assistance to all of his colleagues on an ad hoc basis. He is also starting to get involved in marketing and aspires to help the business to grow.

Ethan has a strong work ethic and takes a lot of pride in delivering an excellent service to both his colleagues and our clients.

Ethan is a big football fan and an Arsenal supporter. He also enjoys attending live music gigs and travelling.