Tony Charles is the Chairman and founder (circa 1992) of Charles Planning Associates (Chartered Town Planners). He holds a Diploma in Town and Country Planning, is a Corporate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (elected 1979) and a Member of the Institute of Management.

He has over 30 years experience in town planning and development, and has held senior positions in both the public and private sectors. The Practice specialises in Planning Legislation, National Planning Policy, Regional Spatial Strategies, Local Development Frameworks/Development Plan and Development Control, Conservation and Listed Buildings, Master Planning, Project Management, Direct Instruction Services and Advocacy. He has appeared as an Expert Witness at numerous Public Inquiries, EiPs, RPG Public Examinations and in the Courts.

Tony spent 12 years in Local Government Planning Departments in England and Wales, during which time he specialised in Development Control and Design and held the position of Head of Development Control at Woking Borough Council, prior to leaving the public sector to join the private sector in 1988. Since being in the private sector he has continued to focus on Development Control, in addition to Development Plan matters. Over the past 30 years he has been responsible for the processing of thousands of planning applications and over 300 appeals.