Joanne McKay | Lead for Specialist Services
Joanne is one of our most experienced Heritage and Conservation specialists. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Heritage Management and an MSc in Building Conservation and Adaptation (with Distinction). In addition, she has qualifications and experience in Site Carpentry and Historical Architecture & Interior Design. Additionally, she has management qualifications and a wealth of experience running community-based projects and working within a Local Authority environment, which spans over 20 years. Joanne has recently completed the Level 3 Retrofit training qualification, Energy Efficiency Measures for Older & Traditional Buildings, at the Environment Study Centre.
At Growth Lancashire, Joanne runs a busy team which supports the recognition and protection of heritage across thirteen local authorities through the assessment of Listed Building Consents, planning proposals, pre-application enquiries and providing expert advice for appeals and enforcement cases. The role also involves managing the team and delivering project work which includes undertaking Conservation Area Assessments and undertaking Heritage Assessments for private clients.
Joanne has a hands-on and pragmatic approach to heritage and feels that the conservation of heritage is fundamental to the success of place-making and is an important driver in supporting regeneration objectives within our communities.
Bethan Frost | Heritage and Conservation Officer
Bethan gained her MSc in the Conservation of Buildings with distinction at Anglia Ruskin University in 2012. Bethan undertook re-appraisal of Stafford Borough Council’s conservation areas and recommended adoption of a new conservation area, between 2013 and 2014, and in 2014 became Conservation Officer with Rossendale Borough Council. Bethan has worked with a number of local planning authorities including Lancaster City Council and South Lakeland (Westmorland) Council.
Bethan was a conservation project manager with English Heritage between 2018-20 and successfully completed the RICS Construction Project Management course in 2020. Bethan completed the management plan for Cartmel conservation area, and saw this through to adoption, and reviewed the Burton-in-Kendal conservation area appraisal and management plan in 2023.
Most recently, Bethan managed the delivery of a suite of conservation area appraisal and management plans for a Lancashire authority, and is aware of the importance of succinct, fit-for-purpose and accessible appraisals in the development management and appeals process.
Bethan has represented local planning authorities at appeal hearings and enjoys working with local planning authorities to help deliver projects and proposals that have special regard to the preservation of heritage assets.
She has also recently completed the Level 3 Retrofit training course, Energy Efficiency Measures for Older & Traditional Buildings, at the Environment Study Centre.
Bethan is a full member of the IHBC (3016 MEM).
Emma Threadgold | Heritage and Conservation Officer
Emma has a first-class BSc (hons) in Building Surveying and a PGDip with distinction in Building Conservation and Adaptation both from the University of Central Lancashire. She has a background in building pathology, producing working drawings and providing advice on domestic development. Since joining Growth Lancashire in 2023, Emma is part of the team providing responses on planning matters affecting the historic environment. She is currently working on the project with Wyre Council to produce updates to their Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. Emma has recently completed the Level 3 Retrofit training qualification, Energy Efficiency Measures for Older & Traditional Buildings, at the Environment Study Centre.
Nilgun Oz | Heritage and Conservation Adviser
Nilgun qualified as a conservation architect in Turkey and has obtained a Master of Science and a PhD (both in Cultural Heritage Conservation) at METU in Ankara. Her PhD was on the critical assessment of conservation practices at archaeological excavations in Turkey. She is a supporting member of IHBC in the UK and an expert member of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Turkey. Nilgun’s work for the company involves the assessment of development proposals affecting heritage sites and buildings across Lancashire as well as contributing to the updating of conservation area appraisals, including Fishergate Hill and Avenham in Preston. She has also contributed to the Lancashire Local List project led by Growth Lancashire. Before joining the team, her background in heritage conservation over the past two decades was extensively driven by projects relating to building conservation, conservation management as well as community engagement work. Her experience in this field includes World Heritage Sites. Nilgun has recently completed the Level 3 Retrofit training qualification, Energy Efficiency Measures for Older & Traditional Buildings, at the Environment Study Centre.
Olivia Birks | Heritage and Conservation Adviser
Olivia gained her BA (hons) in the History of Art at the University of York and her MSc in the Conservation of Historic Buildings at the University of Bath. She began working at Growth Lancashire in June 2021. Within her role at Growth Lancashire, Olivia provides advice on development proposals which impact on heritage assets, including planning and listed building applications as well as writing heritage statements and heritage impact assessments for clients. She has experience in undertaking conservation area appraisals, assisting in a number of appraisal reviews for Preston City Council and more recently for Rossendale Borough Council. Olivia has experience in heritage project work, including with our Local Authority partners to help deliver the recent Lancashire Local List Project. Like the rest of the Heritage team Olivia has recently completed the Level 3 Retrofit training, Energy Efficiency Measures for Older & Traditional Buildings, at the Environment Study Centre.
Louise Hunter | Heritage and Conservation Assistant
Louise qualified as an RIBA Chartered Architect in 2003, having earned a BSc. (Hons) and B.Arch in Architectural Studies at Cardiff University, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice awarded by the RIBA. With a keen interest in building conservation and heritage, Louise went on to gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Management at Birmingham University and is currently completing an MSc. in Building Conservation and Adaptation at the University of Central Lancashire.
Louise’s career has included a diverse range of heritage and regeneration projects across Lancashire and Aberdeenshire. While working in Aberdeenshire, she was also appointed for a three-year term as a visiting Design Studio Tutor for the master’s in architecture course at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture.
Since returning to Lancashire in 2016, Louise has further developed her skills, knowledge and experience in building conservation, completing the RIBA Conservation Course in 2021. In 2024, she joined Growth Lancashire, where she supports heritage project work, conducts building character assessments, and contributes to conservation area appraisals.
Ian Bond | Heritage Consultant
Ian has a wealth of experience in the assessment of heritage across Lancashire with over 35 years’ experience in Local Government Planning services and is a Chartered Town Planner and member of the IHBC. He has been Conservation Officer for both Chorley and West Lancashire Councils.
As a Heritage and Conservation Consultant, Ian regularly works alongside a variety of Local Authorities across Lancashire and beyond, supporting them with Development Management in relation to the Historic Environment. Other areas of her work comprise the review of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans spanning both rural and urban environments; as well as producing Heritage Statements and working on and developing other heritage projects. Ian also has a hands-on and pragmatic approach to heritage and feels that the conservation of heritage is fundamental to the success of place-making and is an important driver in supporting regeneration objectives within our communities.
David Thornber | Arboricultural Officer
Dave has worked in arboriculture for over 36 years. He has a wealth of local authority experience in managing Council’s tree stock, tree teams and contractors and dealing with the assessment of planning applications relating to trees and landscape matters, including the administration of Tree Preservation Orders. In undertaking this role, he also deals with enforcement matters relating to the management of trees and complaints relating to the High Hedges Regulations. Dave is qualified in Arboriculture and Horticulture and holds a Leisure Management qualification and was awarded Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute early in his career (LCGI – Level 4).
Alex Lewis | Arboricultural Officer
Alex is a seasoned Arboricultural Surveyor with extensive experience in environmental services. He operates in accordance with industry best practices, BS3998 guidelines, and Arboricultural Association standards. Having worked in both the private sector and local authorities, Alex collaborates with tree teams and contractors, assessing planning applications related to trees and landscapes, including the administration of Tree Preservation Orders. His expertise extends to evaluating tree defects and their potential impact, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Committed to achieving the best outcomes for clients while fostering collaboration among colleagues, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong dedication to responsible environmental management. His approach balances technical precision with practical solutions to safeguard trees and the spaces they enhance.