Darren Bell

Darren Bell is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Based in Chelmsford, he boasts over 30 years of combined professional and academic experience. Previously, he served as a Partner at David Lock Associates (national planning/urban design consultancy), Planning Manager at the Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS), and Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. He holds a PhD from the University of West of England (2004) on 'Masterplans: Urban Design, Property Markets and Partnerships'.

His research focuses on large-scale strategic developments, social infrastructure, and integrating design quality into planning processes. He teaches modules including 'Planning Implementation', 'Planning Principles and Concepts', and 'Planning and Housing' at the MSc Town Planning level. Education includes a BSc Geography (University of Nottingham), MTP (Newcastle University), and MSc Built Environment Research (University of the West of England).

Professional memberships include the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), where he contributed to their membership committee. He maintains ties with academia as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Sheffield.