Thomas Harris

Land Director +

Thomas Harris

Land Director

I joined Gleeson Land in January 2024 as Land Director for its newly established ‘Western Region’.  With significant growth aspirations, I’m tasked with identifying and securing new land opportunities that support the Group’s ambitious expansion plans and strengthen our presence in the region.

With a strong portfolio of sites and an unrivalled reputation as a leading land promoter, it is an exciting time to be part of the business.

Utilising our market leading Planning, Technical and Research & Analytics teams, we are dedicated to working with agents and landowners to unlock true value in their sites.

Prior to joining Gleeson Land, I worked for land promoter competitor MacMic Group. I operated out of their ‘South West’ office covering a very similar patch to our newly establish ‘Western region’. Notable successes include the capture of 55 acres in West Oxfordshire, 52 acres in Wiltshire and 79 acres in North Somerset, all will help deliver much needed housing and affordable homes, whilst benefitting the local communities.

Prior to that I worked for a regional SME house builder and developer.

I’m a Chartered Planning & Development Surveyor (MRICS), a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB) and I hold a BSc Hons degree in Land Management from the University of Reading.

In my spare time, I am a devoted footballer and long-suffering Cardiff City supporter, I still play 11-aside on a Saturday, clinging to hope that I’ll one day be selected to represent Wales….

I am aslo a keen golfer who just needs more time on the course!

Rob Phillips

Planning Director +

Rob Phillips

Planning Director

In my role as Planning Director, I work with Rachel Scott to manage the planning function for Gleeson Land. This involves directly managing projects and overseeing the planning strategies on our sites, making sure planning applications are submitted at the most opportune time and to ensure each scheme maximises value for our landowners.

I will also advise on the planning prospects of new land opportunities and work with the Land Team in bringing these into our growing portfolio.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and Post Graduate diploma in Town Planning and  have been a member of the RTPI for over 25 years. I started my planning career with the London Borough of Hillingdon and then spent 5 years working for BAA at Heathrow Airport before moving into the housebuilding sector, where I spent over 12 years managing the planning function of a plc housebuilder. I joined Gleeson Land in summer 2018.

During my career, I have been lucky enough to work on a wide range of major residential led development projects across the south east of England ranging from high rise apartment buildings in town centres, to major greenfield urban extensions

For my sins I am a season ticket holder at Queens Park Rangers and still just about manage to play 6 a side football every week, with other likeminded old folk!  I also enjoy a bit of cycling in the summer months, mostly the mid cycle rest where a coffee and cake is in order!

I also enjoy a bit of cooking, particularly a Sunday roast - nothing too fancy!

Matthew Bean

Senior Land Buyer +

Matthew Bean

Senior Land Buyer

I am very excited to have taken on the role of senior land manager at Gleeson Land. I will be overseeing our central England operating area alongside fantastic colleagues in the land, planning, technical and analytics teams. With a focus on growing our strong track record of delivering quality outcomes for our landowner partners, my time will be spent sourcing new strategic land opportunities where our expertise can be utilised. I will also be working with the teams on existing projects in the portfolio as we bring these through the planning process and toward an eventual sale.

Having completed a degree in human geography and economics at Swansea university, I began my career at St. Modwen as their first graduate surveyor. Over a ten-year period with the company, where I was able to undertake my part-time master’s in real estate management and complete training to become a chartered surveyor, I was exposed to a multitude of sites, sectors and objectives. These included the valuation of assets within our company portfolio, the negotiation of tenancies on various commercial and agricultural sites, and the sale of land to housebuilders. However, a passion of sourcing, securing and promoting strategic land became clear over time and I was able to really apply myself to this area, resulting in the successful acquisition of multiple opportunities ranging in size from 300 – 2,000 homes.

With a young family, trips to the rock bar have become fewer and further between! Instead, I am fully embracing visits to the park, swimming pool and various museums around Oxford in my spare time. We have been fortunate to find a spectacular t-rex skeleton at the natural history museum which satisfies my eldest sons current love of dinosaurs!

With my wife being Italian, I am once a week undertaking lessons to improve my ability to discuss the intricacies of political events and the renaissance era with her family when we visit. After 5 years, I feel confident enough to order the coffee.