Old Tauntonian awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Gareth Capner, who attended Taunton School between 1955 and 1965, was given the accreditation due to his ‘outstanding services to good quality housing’ after dedicating more than five decades of his life to the industry.
Mr Capner was a student at Taunton School for ten years before heading to the University of Sheffield to complete a degree in town planning and then developing a 50+ year career which helped shape communities across the UK and worldwide.
In his most recent role, Mr Capner founded the Barton Willmore Planning Partnership. As the Senior Partner from 1996 until his retirement in 2008, he grew the business to become the UK’s largest independent planning consultancy, employing more than 350 staff and having a turnover of £33 million.
Jack Clark, Director of Development & Alumni Relations at Taunton School, said: “It's wonderful to hear about Gareth's recent recognition. The School is very proud of its alumni and all they accomplish. Congratulations to Gareth for this award which recognises more than five decades of leadership in the housing sector."
Despite his retirement, Gareth is still involved in town planning in a voluntary capacity, currently contributing to the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan.
The Taunton School alumni network, which Gareth is part of, is a thriving community of more than 10,000 OTs in 120+ countries supported by the School’s Foundation & Alumni Office through regular worldwide events, newsletters and other communications, and bespoke visits back to the School.
July 2025