E29: Mark Birks

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mark Birks, a Principal at Avison Young, who brings his personal journey from rural roots to a leading role in land and development. Based in the Midlands, Mark provides an expert perspective on the interdependence of urban and rural residential markets. He emphasises the necessity of a strong rural sector to support urban development, offering insights into how these areas are intertwined within residential planning.

In this episode Mark shares his views on the complexities of the UK’s housing landscape, addressing the surge in demand and the environmental and regulatory challenges it presents. He highlights the critical role of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in shaping sustainable development, advocating for its integration as a key component of modern projects.

This episode is a concise exploration of the challenges and innovations in land development, underscoring the balance needed between urban and rural areas to meet environmental and housing needs.