Philip Barnes, former Group Land & Planning Director at Barratt Redrow, has joined Shared Voice as a Non-Executive Director, bringing more than 30 years of senior residential experience to the only communications agency challenging planning industry norms.
Philip spent 12 years as at Barratt Redrow, where he held responsibility for land acquisition, planning strategy and consent optimisation for the UK’s largest housebuilder. In his new role, he will work with the founders and senior leadership team to support the company’s strategic growth, drawing on his experience of managing risk and navigating the realities of the UK planning system.
Philip Barnes said: “I’ve seen Shared Voice in action on several Barratt projects, and the difference their approach makes is clear. They are unique in focusing on empowering local people who support development, rather than limiting community engagement to those who generally object to new homes.
"What stands out is not just the effectiveness of their model, but the opportunity it presents as the business scales. I’m looking forward to supporting the team as they grow Shared Voice and helping their clients secure planning consent and maximise the value of their land.”
Shared Voice is the fastest growing planning communications agency and the only one focused on engaging genuine local supporters of development, helping councils say yes by amplifying the voices of residents who recognise the need for new homes. Philip’s appointment comes at a time when local opposition continues to delay housing delivery across the UK, driving developers to seek more effective ways to manage planning risk.
In 2025, Shared Voice worked with clients to secure more than 25 planning approvals, resulting in consent for over 10,000 new homes. Nearly 5,000 local people publicly supported development in their own communities, providing councillors in more than 65 local authorities with clear evidence of local backing. They also supported Stansted Airport secure expansion plans in December 2025.
Wyn Evans, a Co-founder and Director of Shared Voice, added: “Community engagement in the planning and development sector is fundamentally broken. The traditional process talks to a tiny minority of the public, overwhelmingly objectors, through old-fashioned and out of date practices.
“We do things differently. Our model understands the genuine sentiment of a community and brings supportive voices into the conversation.
“Philip’s appointment will help us align our unique model and offer with the needs and requirements of our clients. We are excited about Philip joining the team. His insight into how planning risk can be reduced will be instrumental in evolving our offer to the industry.”