Communications firm makes major hire to lead planning and built environment practice

A leading Midlands communications firm has made a major appointment to head up one of its leading practice areas.

Rebecca Langton has joined PLMR – which has offices in Birmingham and Coventry and is headquartered in London – as its new Head of Planning and Built Environment, boosting the agency’s strong planning credentials and Midlands expertise.

Rebecca’s most recent role was with Cavendish Consulting and she has also held communications roles with charities and local authorities. Her clients have previously included nationally-significant infrastructure projects, major housing schemes and some of the country’s best-known retailers.

She also brings over a decade of experience in local government in both advisory and elected roles. She spent four years on the Cabinet of Nottingham City Council, holding the Communities brief followed by the Skills, Growth and Economic Development portfolio.

She has also held advisory roles in local government and the European Parliament, and has supported a number of local authorities with strategic communications, devolution negotiations and considerations around local government reorganisation. 

She will be based in the firm’s Midland offices in Birmingham and Coventry, but will lead PLMR’s practice supporting clients nationwide.

PLMR’s planning and built environment clients include Barratt David Wilson Homes, Warwick University, Muse Developments and British Solar Renewables.

Rebecca said: “PLMR has an outstanding reputation for strategic communications, for planning communications and its nationwide offer to clients. I’m really pleased to be joining the team.

“This is such an important time for the built environment sector, as more power is devolved to regional decision-makers, and I’m looking forward to supporting new and existing clients to navigate the planning process and get them results.”

Kevin Craig, PLMR’s CEO, said: “Rebecca is one of the best in the business – her track record in both local government and communications speaks for itself and we are thrilled that she has joined our team.

“With our planning and built environment team going from strength to strength, Rebecca is the perfect person to lead the practice’s expansion and deliver the very best, most impactful work for the clients we are so privileged to work with.

“Rebecca’s appointment comes at an important time for PLMR, as the team continues to expand its planning and built environment expertise.

“With her background in local representation, she is committed to ensuring that consultation and engagement activity is inclusive of a range of stakeholders and perspectives. She is perfectly placed to support PLMR’s clients to navigate the complex world of local politics and planning.”