The Team

Williams Gallagher was founded by Matthew Williams and Heather Arnell (née Gallagher) and advises national operators, institutional property owners and developers across the UK.

As a focused, director-led practice, we work closely with our clients, with the founders directly involved in projects from strategy through to determination. We are supported by Director Rob Wells and a growing technical team with strong technical skills and attention to detail who contribute to research, analysis and the day to day coordination of projects.

Photo of Matthew Williams, Company Director.

Matthew Williams

Company Director

  • Matthew is one of the founding directors of Williams Gallagher. He was formerly a Director at Savills where he led the retail and town centres planning service for the Midlands.

    Matt’s expertise is in providing holistic planning strategies for clients that test the accepted and take advantage of continuing amendments to planning legislation. He is able to draw on a breadth and depth of expertise including planning inputs to the preparation of town centre masterplans and development briefs; complex applications for mixed-use schemes including town centre regeneration projects; major residential schemes; setting defensive strategies; the negotiation of conditions and obligations; retail impact assessment; preparation and coordination of environmental impact assessment; preparation of planning appraisals for development sites; defining and running stakeholder engagement and consultation; and formulation of policy and strategy for planning documents.

    He is also an experienced expert witness and has appeared at numerous public inquiries, hearings and local plan examinations. To date, he has secured his clients’ interests at all appeals and examinations he has led.

    Matt sits on the Revo Planning Working Group, is an RTPI Ambassador for the West Midlands and provides expert advice to the Institute of Licensing and the MHCLG.

    Outside of the office, Matt is a keen mountain biker, motorcyclist, walker, kayaker, gadget geek and music lover. He can often be found exploring the great outdoors with his family and friends.

Photo of Heather Arnell (neé Gallagher), Company Director.

Heather Arnell (née Gallagher)

Company Director

  • Heather is a commercially minded planning adviser focused on getting projects delivered.

    She works predominantly on retail, leisure and employment development, advising national operators, industrial and distribution businesses, shopping centre owners, institutional investors, REITs and asset managers. Her focus is on helping clients secure planning permission and move projects forward with clarity and confidence.

    Heather has particular experience acting for national QSR operators, industrial and distribution occupiers and retail asset managers, often on repeat instructions. She understands the operational and investment drivers behind development proposals and works closely with clients and a trusted network of specialist consultants to steer projects through the planning process.

    Much of her work stems from long standing relationships with operators and institutional property clients who value clear advice and responsiveness. She enjoys getting into the detail of a site, identifying potential issues early and preparing clear, robust applications that stand up to scrutiny. While her practice is primarily commercial, she also advises on brownfield residential and mixed use redevelopment.

    Alongside her client work, Heather oversees the day to day running of the business and has played a central role in shaping the company’s operations and brand. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time by the sea with her husband and their two dogs.

Photo of Rob Wells, Director.

Rob Wells

Director

  • Rob joined Williams Gallagher in 2018 and is a Chartered Town Planner with 25 years’ experience working across the public and private sectors.

    He began his career in local government, working within a number of local authorities, most recently at Birmingham City Council, where he was closely involved in major residential-led regeneration schemes and complex development proposals. He later moved into private practice at Savills before joining Williams Gallagher.

    Rob has extensive experience in development management and has developed a particular specialism in affordable housing delivery and residential regeneration. He advises registered providers, developers and landowners from early concept through to determination, with a strong focus on securing viable and deliverable planning permissions.

    Having worked on both sides of the planning system, Rob brings a detailed understanding of local authority processes, committee decision making and policy application. He continues to advise on significant regeneration and affordable housing schemes, including projects within Birmingham City Centre.

    Outside of work, Rob spends his time following his favourite bands, working his way through the Booker Long List and searching for the perfect porter.

Photo of Elliott Williams, Planner.

Elliott Williams

Planner

  • Elliott joined Williams Gallagher following his graduation from Nottingham Trent University, where he achieved First Class Honours in Property Development and Planning.

    He first joined the company during his placement year and continued to support the team on a part time basis while completing his final year of studies, returning full time after graduating. In April 2025, Elliott was promoted to Planner in recognition of his increasing responsibility across projects and his role in project managing a range of applications.

    Elliott now manages a number of projects from preparation through to submission, coordinating consultant teams and supporting client liaison. Alongside this, he continues to assist on larger commercial and residential schemes.

    Alongside his academic studies, Elliott worked part time as a project manager, developing strong organisational and communication skills. He is also a voluntary member of his Parish Council, where he has been involved in preparing a new Neighbourhood Plan.

    Elliott is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to well planned development and is keen to continue building his experience within the profession.

    Outside of work, Elliott is a former international trampolinist who represented his country in competition, achieving a silver medal. He now enjoys keeping active, spending time with friends and taking an interest in the arts.

Photo of James Clarke, Graduate Planner.

James Clarke

Graduate Planner

  • James joined Williams Gallagher as an Assistant Planner while completing his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham. He now works full time as a Graduate Planner.

    James supports the team across a range of commercial and residential projects, assisting with research, policy analysis and the preparation of planning applications. He is currently working towards RTPI chartership with the support of the team at Williams Gallagher and is keen to continue developing his professional experience.

    During his undergraduate studies, James balanced academic work with part-time employment and wider commitments, including voluntary work with St John Ambulance and a year spent travelling, living and working in Australia and South-East Asia.

    Outside of work, James plays Saturday league football and enjoys going to the gym, attending gigs and spending time with friends.