Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has recognised the abilities of its Scottish office head with a promotion to senior director.

Nicola Woodward opened the firm’s Scottish office in Edinburgh in 2015 and continues to lead the office and build its client base.

Last month Crosswind Development announced it had appointed Lichfields to deliver planning on its 100-acre mixed-use development at Edinburgh Airport, following the closure of its little-used secondary runway.

Nicola is a member of Scottish Government’s Planning Review Working Group on Housing and regularly speaks at conferences in Scotland and the North East of England.

Lichfields chief executive, James Fennell, said: “We are delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution Nicola makes to our business. This promotion reflects her excellent work for our clients and the success of her office.”

Nicola said: “The Scottish office continues to grow and I am delighted with the success we have had so far. We are developing a wide-reaching client base and supporting the growth of the Scottish economy with our work on some of the country’s most exciting projects.”

Nicola has worked as a town planner for both the private and public sector since 1997. She works with housebuilders, land owners, retailers, leisure operators, local authorities, Homes for Scotland and the Scottish Government on a wide range of projects.

She added: “Lichfields has gone from strength to strength, both in the region and nationwide, and I am really pleased to be part of such a dynamic and forward thinking planning consultancy.”