Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has reported a record turnover and plans for expansion during its landmark 60th anniversary year.

Lichfields recently hit fee revenues of £22.6 million and is aiming to pass the £25m milestone before the end of this year.

The company is recruiting as it seeks to launch and develop several new services during 2022. These will include a new archaeology service within the existing heritage offer; an innovative place-making tool, and a fully integrated service aimed at dealing with the impacts of climate change.

Chief executive James Fennell said: "We're delighted to launch a year of celebrations as we reflect on 60 years of working hard to service the needs of our clients and look forward to the time when are largely free of the constraints that Covid-19 has placed on all of us.

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"Construction and property development has weathered the economic disruption caused by the pandemic and Brexit very well so far. We have been fortunate to work side-by-side with clients who have continued to invest and build for the future. I am therefore positive about 2022. Of course, there is still some uncertainty around Covid-19 and rising inflation. However, overall, the market looks buoyant and resilient.

"We will be focussing on staff wellbeing during the year while we grow the business and maintain our professional service levels for which we are well respected."

Steady growth at Lichfields is set to continue through the growth of business activity around regional offices along with some high-profile projects that have gained national recognition.

Fennell added: "Government needs to reflect on the very good progress that has been made in the delivery of much needed new homes over the last decade and build on that success. By repeatedly describing the system as broken the Government has got too bogged down in trying to fix it. With Michael Gove the rhetoric has begun to change. It's not broken but it does need improving and, above all else, resourcing properly.

"The Government must start talking the planning system up so we can attract more talented younger people into the profession to help the UK adapt to climate change and deliver the new homes, infrastructure and other development that it needs."