RTPI Regions
Dharmista Patel
Richard Shaw
Richard Shaw
Principal Urban Designer, South Kesteven District Council
Richard Shaw is the Principal Design Officer at South Kesteven District Council, where he is responsible for improving the design quality of new development. Richard has been the urban designer for a number of local authorities in the East Midlands for over 15 years and is a Design:Midlands Panel Member.
Working closely with Lincolnshire County Council, Richard has helped to create a strong partnership, setting up an internal design review service, training events and an environment that fosters design learning. This partnership working has been recognised nationally, being shortlisted at The Planning Awards 2025.
South Kesteven District Council are in the final stages of producing a District-wide Design Code, supported by the MHCLG Pathfinder Programme.
Annabel Keegan
Annabel Keegan is a qualified transport planner and urban designer with a background in architecture. She has over 20 years’ of practical experience in multidisciplinary consultant teams specialising in the delivery of design-led projects both within the public and private sector. Annabel has a keen interest in improving the quality of streets and public spaces and has been involved in a range of projects developing innovative street and public realm designs.
She is an experienced 'Building for a Healthy Life' assessor and the lead author of its technical companion guide 'Streets for a Healthy Life'.
Becky Phillips - Melhuish
Becky Phillips-Melhuish is the Growth Manager for Planning at Lincolnshire County Council, where she leads the team who assess planning applications on behalf of the Highway and Lead Local Flood Authority. With a career spanning nearly 15 years in local government, Becky’s background is as a highway maintenance engineer, before she moved into highways development management seven years ago. Becky’s team are nationally recognised for their approach to delivering high quality and innovative developments, particularly in street design and SuDS. She is passionate about placemaking, sustainability and social equality.