Our Story

Yussuf has drawn on his experience with the planning departments of the London Boroughs of Brent and subsequently Hounslow to take the step into private practice. He founded MZA in 1997 and has never looked back. His planning skills, tenacity and integrity of his work are widely admired. His planning work for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Enfield, London Borough of Redbridge and Elmbridge Borough Council especially at appeal hearings and Public Inquiries defending the Council’s decisions, was highly praised. Yussuf has gone onto work on Major projects including Channel Tunnel Rail Link, West London Tram Project and Reading Station Redevelopment. Yussuf has also worked as a consultant Inspector for the Planning Inspectorate handling a wide range of appeal cases. Yussuf has been a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute since 1994.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Without a doubt Time Travel. Imagine being able to traverse continents in a fraction of the time it normally takes.

What are two things still left on your bucket list?
1. Get fit and stay fit, go to the gym more often – This is a work in progress. My excuse is that my wife is an amazing chef…
2. Go Scuba diving

What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching the Alien Movies. The first 2 movies were the best.

What was your nickname growing up?
Megastar – My school friends thought that my hairstyle at the time resembled that of the King of Pop!!

What is your favourite place in the world?
After my bed which I don’t see enough it would have to be the Volta Lake, Akosombo, Ghana with its breathtaking views

Chantelle graduated with BA Hons in Psychotherapeutic Studies which enabled her to work with young people therapeutically and more recently, become involved in educating them about careers in Construction and Built Environment, liaising with industry employers to develop programmes which inspire young people to maximise their potential in pursuing this sector. She has also led a voluntary training organisation of young professionals. Her favourite things to do include reading and going on country walks.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

– Telepathy – think this would be really useful in tough situations where discretion is needed!

What are two things still left on your bucket list?

Tom is a Chartered Town Planner at MZA Planning with over 3 years of experience in the private sector. He enjoys preparing planning appraisals on properties and assets all over the UK and has experience submitting a wide range of planning applications.

Tom graduated in 2018 from Henley Business School at Reading University with a Masters in Spatial Planning & Development. Prior to this, Tom gained his undergraduate degree in Architecture & Urban Planning at Newcastle University. Tom is a visual thinker and enjoys mapping out planning strategies. He has a passion for airspace development and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to develop existing real estate.

Away from the planning desk, Tom enjoys playing Padel Tennis, reading autobiographies, and making Victoria sponges. Tom’s dream project is to secure planning permission for Padel Tennis courts all over the UK.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly, so I can see my favourite cities from a bird’s view, that would be epic!

What are two things still left on your bucket list?
1. Kruger National Park in South Africa: I would love to have the opportunity to see wild elephants first-hand.
2. Bungee Jump off The Contra Dam in Switzerland, as seen in the film GoldenEye.

What is your guilty pleasure?
A slice of treacle tart with Madagascan custard, oh yummy!

What was your nickname growing up?
Weserwack – my friends from school still call me this!

What is your favourite place in the world?
Udaipur, India. I spent a week there during my gap year and had an absolute ball. The city is built around some beautiful lakes and is simply a magical place for any tourist to visit.

Charlotte is an Administrative Assistant at MZA planning, she helps to assist in running office duties efficiently. Charlotte has prior experience working in the legal sector and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Film Studies at the University of Kent. She also completed a Professional Digital Marketing certification with the DMI (Digital Marketing Institute). Outside of the office, Charlotte enjoys video editing and going to the gym.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation – it’s feasible this could happen one day!

What are two things still left on your bucket list?
1. Learn a new language
2. Producing a film project

What is your guilty pleasure?
Dill crisps – they’re Swedish and delicious

What was your nickname growing up?
Char or Charlie

What is your favourite place in the world?
Wherever there’s sun and a sandy beach

Courtney is an Assistant Planner at MZA planning who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Urban and Environmental Planning from London South Bank University. Courtney aims to gain a wealth of experience as he works to achieving RTPI chartership. Outside of work Courtney enjoys listening to podcasts and going to the gym.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel. I would love to see how the pyramids were built and to also see what technological advancements we created in the future.

What are two things still left on your bucket list?
1. Learn Spanish

2. Start a podcast

What is your guilty pleasure?

Jaffa Cakes. Taking one turns into eating the whole pack.

What was your nickname growing up?
Courts or Daws. Just shortened versions of my first and last names.

What is your favourite place in the world?

Difficult to say just one place but anywhere where I feel relaxed and have peace of mind.