Meet the team: James Ellis, Director of Planning

James lives in a village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with his partner, where he enjoys making the most of the fantastic walking routes nearby outside of work.

How long have you worked at Rural Solutions?

This year marks 15 years with Rural Solutions. We’ve changed a lot during that time, and it’s been great to see the business grow into a national specialist practice across so many areas, continually enhancing what we can offer our clients.

What was your background before joining Rural Solutions?

Before joining Rural Solutions, I worked overseas teaching English. I then moved into the planning sector, working as a Planning Officer before eventually joining the team here.

What team are you part of, and what can you tell us about it?

I am the Director of the planning team, and work alongside colleagues, clients and professionals across the country. However, at Rural Solutions, I’d say we’re very much one team. Rural planning is incredibly varied, and we work on bespoke projects tailored to each client - there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. Almost every project comes with its own unique considerations, and as a team, we share our knowledge, experience and perspectives to deliver the best outcomes possible.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I enjoy the variety in my role. A typical day can involve meetings across a range of projects and providing input on developments of every scale, from new villages and Grand Designs-style homes to diversification schemes and projects linked to natural capital.

What do you enjoy most about working at Rural Solutions?

We’re fortunate to work with fantastic clients and colleagues who genuinely care about enhancing the countryside. I enjoy the opportunity to be creative, help people achieve their objectives - which sometimes includes their lifelong dreams - and contribute to positive change in rural areas. Whether that’s enhancing the environment and nature, delivering new homes or supporting diversification projects, it’s rewarding work. We also get the chance to visit places and buildings we’d never normally see and meet people from all walks of life.

What is the most exciting or unusual project you’ve worked on?

One particularly memorable project was in Cornwall, where some of the team and I travelled down from Yorkshire to visit several coastal sites. We stayed in a beachside property that was successfully proposed to be replaced with three stunning holiday homes. The itinerary also included enforced surfing from mid-afternoon! It was certainly an experience to remember.

Is there anything you’ve learnt since joining Rural Solutions that really stands out?

Over time, I’ve realised just how important communication is as a consultant. Technical expertise and understanding processes are essential, but effective communication - internally, with clients, decision-makers and other stakeholders - is absolutely key to everything we do and achieve as a practice.

Where is your favourite place in the British countryside, and why?

The Wharfe Valley, as it runs through the Yorkshire Dales, is hard to beat. Although the Northumberland Coast comes a very close second.

Describe Rural Solutions in three words.

Unique, dynamic and creative.

Get in touch

Looking to address a rural planning challenge? Contact James on 01756 797501 or email james.ellis@ruralsolutions.co.uk.