Former JLL planning and energy expert sets up new Edinburgh consultancy

Steven Black was JLL’s head of planning and energy from 2019 to 2024 before moving into the development sector, advancing renewable energy projects from initial feasibility stages through to planning and completion. He is a chartered town planner with some 25 years of experience split across both the public and private sectors.

Highlighting strong foreign direct investment figures for Scotland and a growing renewables sector, Black said it was a “natural step” to set up his independent practice - Steven Black Planning and Development - with a strong focus on renewables/infrastructure and commercial developments.

“With upcoming planning reforms both north and south of the Border, including mainstream planning changes and external factors such as climate change targets and grid reform, developers face a moving picture when considering investment,” he said. “Having sound planning advice is more than ever critical to steer companies through the development process and ensure a commercially viable project.

“Scotland and the rest of the UK face significant hurdles in scaling up renewable energy to meet its ambitious climate and energy policy targets - we hope to be able to assist businesses to grow and invest. Likewise, the commercial and leisure property sectors are grappling with macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting consumer and workplace behaviours.”

Black’s work has included multi-million pound developments across Scotland with recent commercial examples including the forthcoming Maldron Hotel at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, for the Dalata Group, a new residential development at Ferry Road for Artisan Real Estate and the new Dunfermline campus for Fife College.

Renewable energy projects have included major substations and connecting grid infrastructure, battery storage, solar and numerous onshore wind developments.

Clive Wilding, retired from Artisan Real Estate, and now advising the Dalata Group, added: “Steven’s experience on both the public and private sector sides gives him a unique insight, and he can find solutions to help unlock development potential whilst achieving wider policy ambitions.”