Meet the team
Karen Banks BA (Hons), PG. Dip.TP, MRTPI
With over 35 years of experience in both the public and the private sectors, and a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Karen is adept in navigating the complexities of larger housing, commercial and mixed-use schemes for a diverse range of clients. Karen’s ability to develop creative and strategic solutions, coupled with an ability for ‘lateral thinking’, has resulted in exceptional client loyalty, particularly with East Kent’s SME’s.
Balancing intricate technical issues with specific policy requirements, Karen has a high success rate in achieving client aspirations and delivering successful outcomes. Whether exercising the planning lead function with larger development schemes or appraising the development potential of smaller sites, Karen relishes the challenges presented by today’s system in seeking to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
Karen began her career in local government working in both Folkestone and Hythe and Thanet District Councils, moving to the private sector in 2003. She established Rebus Planning Solutions in 2016.
Qualifications and Memberships
Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Post Graduate Diploma, specialising in regeneration, London South Bank University
BA (Hons) Undergraduate Degree in Town Planning Studies, London South Bank University
Email: karen@rebusplanning.co.uk
Nicola Coles BSc (Hons), MA, PG. Dip. MRTPI
As a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Nicola Coles brings over 25 years of extensive experience in Town Planning across both public and private sectors. Her expertise encompasses an excellent understanding of planning law and a passion for urban design. Known for providing objective, sound advice on planning law, procedure and policy interpretation, she excels in identifying site-specific opportunities and risks to develop robust, bespoke planning strategies for a diverse range of clients.
Nicola began her career in local government as a graduate planner at Thanet District Council, progressing to Principal Planner (Major Projects) at Dover District Council. In 2014, she transitioned to the private sector and joined Rebus Planning Solutions as an Associate in August 2022.
She demonstrates strong project management capabilities, fostering positive and collaborative working relationships among client, design, and technical teams. This ensures effective and efficient collaboration to deliver well-considered and robust planning applications.
Qualifications and Memberships
Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Master’s degree in Town Planning, University of Westminster
Post Graduate Certificate in Urban Design, University of Westminster
BSc (Hons) Degree in Geography, University of Sussex
Email: nicola@rebusplanning.co.uk
Lorraine Bailey – Office Manager
Originally from an ICT teaching background, Lorraine now uses her skills and knowledge to assist in the smooth running of the Rebus Office. Although an experienced Office Manager, Lorraine had no experience of working in the planning world until joining Rebus but now very much enjoys assisting the team in preparing Planning Applications, Appraisals and Appeals. Whether you have an invoicing query, need to reach a member of the team urgently or perhaps, as a potential new client, you have an enquiry – Lorraine will be your first port of call as a highly valued and indispensable member of the team!
Email: office@rebusplanning.co.uk