We’re delighted to announce that Senior Planner, Maxwell Griffin, won the Regional (Midlands) Professional Development Network (PDN) competition for the Pipelines Industry Guild yesterday afternoon.
As part of the competition, Maxwell submitted a paper and then presented his work to a panel of judges, securing first place, a commemorative shield, and a £250 prize. The win means he is now through to the National PDN Final.
Maxwell’s paper and presentation, Unlocking Infrastructure: EIA Screening for the Packington & Measham Transfer Project, focused on how effective and proportionate planning approaches can help unlock the delivery of critical pipeline infrastructure. Drawing on a live Severn Trent project, his work demonstrated how robust early screening, evidence‑led decision‑making and stakeholder engagement can reduce consenting risk, enable the use of Permitted Development rights, and maintain strong environmental protections.
Commenting on his win, Maxwell said: “I’m really pleased to have won the Regional PDN competition. It was a great opportunity to share practical experience from a live project and show how a proportionate, evidence‑led planning approach can help deliver complex infrastructure efficiently while still protecting sensitive environments.”
Following his regional success, Maxwell will now represent the Midlands at the National PDN Final, which will take place at the Pipeline Industries Guild Conference on 4 June in Coventry.
Head of Planning, Sarah DeRenzy-Tomson, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Maxwell’s expertise, clear thinking and ability to communicate complex planning challenges in a practical and accessible way.
We’re proud to see his work recognised by the Pipeline Industries Guild and wish him every success at the National Final.”