Consultancy Prospus Group has appointed Kate Bellwood as senior heritage and planning associate.

She will specialise in both rural and urban planning and has more than 10 years' experience in development management with local authorities. In 2013 she also set up her own business.

Prospus has offices in Warwick Bridge, where Mrs Bellwood will be based, and Kirkby Stephen and most of its work is in Cumbria.

She is an expert in planning and heritage and has a masters degree in planning. Her job will involve supporting the property consultancy team on a variety of projects.

Mrs Bellwood has worked in this field for more than 10 years and has also run her own business. She has an insight into issues which can hold-up planning applications.

She also has qualification in heritage management and experience in dealing with listed buildings and has a particular interest in rural heritage works and barns.

Tom Woof, director of Prospus Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Kate, who adds a depth of experience and expertise to our team that will be of direct benefit to our clients.”