Name: Zelie Batchelor
Job title: Senior planner/planning and development surveyor, Montagu Evans
What I do: I am a planning consultant within the housing and land team at Montagu Evans. We advise clients on various development opportunities, generally on residential-led and mixed-use schemes often within sensitive locations including conservation areas, green belt and metropolitan open land (MOL). I also sit on the NLA’s planning expert panel.
Why I got into the property industry: Throughout my childhood I always had a keen interest in the architecture of historic buildings. This interest developed further during the final year of my geography undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway while completing a module in the built environment and from here I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the property industry.
How I did it: After my degree, I became a planning officer with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Two years later, I decided to make a move away from the coast and in 2022 I relocated to London where I landed a position at Montagu Evans. I balanced my employment in both of these roles with a part-time masters at Reading University in spatial planning and development. From here, I then completed my RTPI APC, qualifying and becoming a chartered town planner last December, and more recently qualified as an RICS chartered surveyor. This will further support my career advising clients from a commercially focused perspective.
My first proper job: A planning officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
My first big break: My first big achievement in my working career was taking a planning application to planning committee at the age of 21 whilst working at BCP Council. This was a big jump outside my comfort zone, having to present the proposed development to the committee and answer their questions. This experience reinforced my confidence in providing planning advice.
My inspiration(s): Dame Alison Nimmo – former CEO of the Crown Estate, which is one of our clients – and everything she has achieved during her professional career. Maddie Difazio-Wright – I recently heard her speak at the Women in Property National Student Awards about her experience rowing across the Atlantic. Her commitment, determination and resilience was truly inspirational.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Moving from a small town where I was focussed on small scale developments to working in one of the biggest cities in the world on much larger and more complex schemes with major developers. Given that I now work across multiple local planning authorities I’ve had to adapt my expertise and continue to strengthen the breadth of my planning knowledge.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Despite everything I’ve done in the property sector, my greatest achievement is still winning a national championship in horse riding in 2016 with my Connemara pony Oliver. This moment was especially distinct given he lost one of his shoes 10 minutes before the competition and still managed to win!
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That planning is boring! There is such depth to the profession and so many different opportunities to get involved in. It is constantly evolving and changing, and therefore remains exciting with always something new to learn regardless of your level and experience.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I would love to see more funding for local authorities. There is such a severe lack of resource within local planning authorities, and planning officers are under immense pressure. Having started my career with a local authority, I fully empathise, and know that with additional funding, training and recruitment, the application process would become far more streamlined and better for everyone.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I’m a firm believer that diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives and experiences. It’s so important that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. I regularly attend women in real estate events and strive to improve upon the opportunities afforded to women in this industry.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: This so topical given that the built environment contributes to 40% of global energy related emissions. With 70% of European properties not considered energy efficient, I am keen to assist clients in establishing how improvements can be made to existing properties through retrofit development opportunities, as well as supporting the introduction of highly sustainable new build development proposals to ensure we contribute to creating more sustainable places in the future.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Within the next five years I would like to progress my career within the residential market, especially given the current national drive on meeting housing demand and this being one of Montagu Evans’ growth areas right now. I would also like to have a more prominent role in supporting women within the industry and to share my knowledge and expertise to help them progress in their own careers.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: My dinner party guest list is a rather eclectic mix to say the least. At the top of the invite list would be Rameses II followed by George Washington, Sacagawea, Howard Carter and Alan Turing.
What I do in my downtime: In my spare time I try and get outdoors as much as possible. I enjoy running, paddle boarding, fishing and hiking. However, if the weather is bad, you will find me in the British Museum or watching American Football (namely the Miami Dolphins).
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Marine archaeologist, given my keen interest in archaeology and water-based activities.
My advice for someone just starting out: It is vital to undertake as much work experience, including internships, as you can during the early stages of your career in order to figure out what you are passionate about. However, if you do end up on a path that isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to change careers, regardless of what stage you are at and pursue something that you will truly enjoy.
My motto/mantra: Everything happens for a reason.
