Ardent Talks Podcast
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In this special episode hosted by Jon Stott Group Managing Director at Ardent, we celebrate Ardent's journey to 100 Development Consent Orders (DCOs), reflecting on the evolution of the DCO regime since its introduction in 2008. The discussion covers key changes in regulatory practices and consent management, the significant growing importance of stakeholder engagement, and the unique challenges faced in the booming renewable energy sector. As the DCO process continues to adapt, Ardent experts share insights on best practices, sector trends, and the role of innovative technology in driving meaningful community engagement and regulatory efficiency for major infrastructure projects across the UK.
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More about the speakers
Jon is Group Managing Director of Ardent having originally began his journey with Ardent as a graduate and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, initially working in Liverpool and later in London. During that period Jon undertook land referencing for various Transport and Works Act Orders and subsequently prepared property cost estimates and negotiated land and works agreements and compensation settlements for a range of projects before progressing to give expert evidence to public inquiries for housing and regeneration CPOs.
Jon Stott
Group Managing Director
07725 553 866
jonstott@ardent-management.com
Viki James
Managing Director, Consents Management Consultancy
07738 143 709
vikijames@ardent-management.com
Viki James brings a wealth of experience in major infrastructure projects. With an award-winning career spanning more than 20 years in project management and consenting, Viki has successfully delivered complex ventures across diverse sectors at all stages of the project life cycle.
She is a driving force in the pursuit of understanding and closing the gap between planning and construction and is an active council member of the National Infrastructure Planning Association whilst additionally sitting on UCLs advisory board for the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction.
Her strategic foresight, coupled with a breadth of understanding of regulatory landscapes and construction demands, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of large-scale initiatives. Viki’s leadership ensures that CMC remains at the forefront of navigating the route from major consent to construction delivery, shaping sustainable and impactful developments that contribute to the nation’s infrastructure growth.
Tom Hacker
Senior Director, Head of Planning and Engagement
tomhacker@ardent-management.com
Tom has 15 years of experience, gained from working across both the public and private sectors. Throughout his career he has successfully delivered a range of transport, planning, and engagement services on major projects including mass transit, local plans and large mixed use developments. The Planning & Engagement Directorate established in September 2023 offers a robust service across the UK and Ireland.
Peter has over 15 years’ experience working on nationally significant infrastructure projects. A Chartered Surveyor, predominantly working on linear DCO schemes, he has advised clients on over 15 Development Consent Orders and 12 Transport and Works Act Orders.
Peter’s range of experience includes acting as the property expert at 7 DCO examinations and he has had a significant involvement in a large number of Ardent’s 95+ DCO applications to date. Most recently Peter has been leading the Renewable Energy sector for Ardent and has predominantly acted for renewable energy developers over the last 10 years, including the Triton Knoll Electrical System and Vattenfall’s Norfolk offshore wind farm projects. Based in Milton Keynes, Peter is centrally located for leading across a wide portfolio of renewable technologies. He has experience across offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, energy from waste and nuclear projects.
