Joanne McKay | Lead for Specialist Services
Joanne is one of Growth Lancashire’s most accomplished Heritage and Conservation specialists. She holds a BA (Hons) in Heritage Management and an MSc in Building Conservation and Adaptation, awarded with Distinction. Alongside her academic achievements, Joanne brings practical expertise with qualifications in Site Carpentry and Historical Architecture & Interior Design. She also holds management credentials and has over 20 years of experience leading community-based projects and working within Local Authority environments.
Joanne leads a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding heritage across twelve local authorities. Her work encompasses the assessment of Listed Building Consents, planning proposals, and pre-application enquiries, as well as providing expert advice on appeals and enforcement cases. She also manages the team responsible for all development management work for Local Authorities and delivers project-based services, including the preparation of Heritage Statements for private clients. Over the years, Joanne has played a pivotal role in numerous Conservation Area Appraisals, often taking the lead in their delivery.
Joanne’s approach to heritage is both pragmatic and hands-on. She believes that conserving heritage is essential to successful place-making and serves as a vital catalyst for regeneration, helping communities thrive while preserving their unique character.
Bethan Frost | Heritage and Conservation Officer (Project Lead)
Bethan achieved her MSc in the Conservation of Buildings with distinction at Anglia Ruskin University in 2012, where she undertook conservation appraisal as part of her studies and later completed a re-appraisal of Stafford Borough Council’s conservation areas. Her subsequent roles as Conservation Officer at Rossendale Borough Council and Lancaster City Council gave her a strong appreciation of the value of clear, fit-for-purpose appraisals in supporting the development management process.
Between 2018 and 2020, Bethan worked as a Project Manager with English Heritage, gaining extensive experience in managing and delivering complex projects. At South Lakeland District Council, she reviewed and updated the Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan and the Burton-in-Kendal Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. She also brings valuable insight from her time in the commercial heritage planning sector.
Bethan is a Senior Conservation Officer at Growth Lancashire, where she works alongside Joanne to oversee development management operations and mentor the team. She leads a substantial portion of project work – including the comprehensive review and updating of conservation areas, as well as the preparation of appraisals, management plans, and expert witness statements on complex heritage matters.
Emma Threadgold | Heritage and Conservation Officer
Emma holds a first-class BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying and a Postgraduate Diploma with distinction in Building Conservation and Adaptation from the University of Central Lancashire. She brings expertise in building pathology, technical drawing, and advising on domestic development projects.
Since joining Growth Lancashire in 2023, Emma has played a key role in supporting Local Authority clients with day-to-day development management. Her contributions include drafting and refining the Wyre conservation area appraisal and management plans, preparing Heritage Statements for private clients, and assisting with enforcement matters. She has also provided evidence at appeal hearings, demonstrating her ability to combine technical knowledge with practical application in heritage and planning contexts.
Emma’s academic achievements, professional skills, and practical experience reflect her commitment to safeguarding and adapting the built environment, while delivering high-quality outcomes for both public and private stakeholders. Emma played a key role in reviewing, preparing and delivering the full suite of Conservation Area Appraisals for Wyre Council.
Nilgun Oz | Heritage and Conservation Advisor
Nilgün is a qualified conservation architect from Turkey, holding both a Master of Science and a PhD in Cultural Heritage Conservation from METU, Ankara. Her doctoral research focused on critically evaluating conservation practices at archaeological excavation sites in Turkey. She serves as an expert member of ICOMOS Turkey.
Within the company, Nilgün’s role centres on assessing development proposals that impact heritage sites and historic buildings across Lancashire. She has contributed to the review and updating of conservation area appraisals in Preston—including Fishergate Hill, Avenham, Market Place, and Deepdale (ongoing)—as well as Garstang and Keighley Road in Colne. Her work also includes preparing heritage statements, such as for Preston’s Grade II listed row of telephone kiosks. In addition, she has played a key role in the Lancashire Local List project led by Growth Lancashire and sits on the Selection Review Panel for St Helens Local List designations.
Prior to joining the team, Nilgün built over two decades of experience in heritage conservation, with a portfolio spanning building conservation, conservation management, and community engagement. Her expertise extends to projects involving World Heritage Sites, reflecting the breadth and depth of her professional background.
Olivia Birks | Heritage and Conservation Advisor
Olivia holds a BA (Hons) in History of Art from the University of York and an MSc in the Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of Bath. She is a supporting member of the IHBC and joined Growth Lancashire in June 2021.
In her role, Olivia advises on development proposals affecting heritage assets, including planning and listed building applications, enforcement cases, and the preparation of heritage statements and impact assessments for private clients. She has undertaken several conservation area appraisals, producing reviews for Preston City Council, Rossendale Borough Council, and most recently Wyre Council, where she led the complex Fleetwood appraisal.
Olivia also contributes to heritage project work, collaborating with Local Authority partners to deliver initiatives such as the Lancashire Local List Project.
Louise Hunter | Heritage and Conservation Advisor
Louise is an RIBA Chartered Architect with experience in heritage, conservation, and regeneration projects across Lancashire and Aberdeenshire. She holds a BSc (Hons) and B. Arch in Architectural Studies at Cardiff University, together with 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.
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 preparing heritage statements. Louise has also assisted with developing and drafting conservation area appraisals for Wyre and Preston.
Saurabh Dalvi | Heritage and Conservation Assistant
Saurabh Dalvi is an architect and heritage management specialist. He holds an MA in Cultural Heritage Management from the University of York and an MSc in World Heritage Management and Conservation from University College Dublin. His academic background is grounded in UNESCO frameworks, World Heritage nomination processes, the Historic Urban Landscape approach, and the integration of tangible and intangible heritage within sustainable urban development. His postgraduate research has focused on holistic conservation strategies that connect community values, planning policy, and heritage management practice.
Saurabh is an active member of ICOMOS, participating in ICOMOS India’s Young Professional network, and is committed to advancing international conservation principles within local planning contexts. With professional experience spanning the UK and India, he brings expertise in heritage impact assessment, condition surveys, conservation documentation, and stakeholder engagement, combining architectural training with policy-informed heritage management.
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.