Jessica Lam

With a background in planning and urban design, Jessica has extensive experience in sustainable development and working with multidisciplinary teams to successfully implement urban design projects. She has also worked in site analysis, market research, and feasibility studies that have informed comprehensive masterplans.

Before joining the Autumn Cohort 2023, Jessica worked as a town planner in Essex, where she assessed the feasibility of house extensions and prepared planning applications and statements for planning appeals for residential development.

West Berkshire Council

As part of our Autumn Cohort 2023, she worked as a Principal Developer Contributions Officer, responsible for administering and monitoring developer contributions through Section 106 agreements and managing the invoicing and collection of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Her role involved advising senior managers, elected councillors, and third parties on developer contributions, ensuring clarity and alignment with local policies. A key part of her responsibilities was conducting detailed analyses and assessments of CIL-liable developments, ensuring compliance with regulations and timely charging to secure necessary capital funding for essential infrastructure. She also collaborated closely with Parish Councils to ensure that funds were effectively allocated and used to support sustainable community development and growth.