Mel is a conservation-accredited heritage consultant and chartered town planner with over 30 years experience. This includes co-ordinating conservation management plans for complex historic sites, advising local authorities on heritage management and preparing heritage impact assessments for large developments. Her conservation consultancy was established in 2001 but recent work includes multi-disciplinary collaborative projects, including a setting study for Kedleston Hall for the National Trust, a Skyline Study and Tall Buildings Strategy for Derby, and an appraisal and management plan for Keswick in the English Lake District World Heritage Site. Mel is also an expert witness and has taken the lead role in several recent Public Inquiries dealing with Grade I listed buildings and World Heritage Sites.