GODMANCHESTER surveyor and town planner John Martin MBE FRICS MRTPI, founder of John Martin & Associates, died at his home in Woodnewton, west of Peterborough, last Thursday after a courageous battle against cancer. He was 64.

Born in Cambridge in 1946, John Martin was educated at the Perse School, said family friend Judith Bullard. He was articled to Carter Jonas and after qualifying joined the Peterborough Development Corporation.

In 1973 he joined the estate agency practice of Ekins Dilley & Handley, in Huntingdon, where two years later he was made a partner. He became national land director of the Prudential when it bought out Ekins Dilley & Handley, and subsequently transferred to the Woolwich when it in turn acquired the Prudential’s planning business.

In 1993, John Martin set up his own planning and development consultancy, John Martin and Associates, at Farm Hall Offices, Godmanchester. Over the years the firm built up an impressive client list and in 2007, to safeguard the long term business prospects of the firm and its employees, the practice merged with chartered surveyors, land and estate agents, King West.

John had been a member of Peterborough Cathedral’s congregation throughout his time in the area. He became involved with its fundraising appeal in the 1990s, contributing greatly to its success, and as a result of his efforts was appointed MBE in 2001. Until his death he served as a lay member of the Cathedral Chapter.

His lifelong interest in politics led him to meet his future wife Jane, whom he married in 1986. With her he shared his lifelong love of boats and sailing, most recently embodied in his proud ownership of a classic wooden Thames river boat. He was also chairman of the trustees of Samuel Pepys house at Brampton.

John Martin is survived by his widow Jane and daughter Rebecca.

A private burial service at Woodnewton Church will be followed by a thanksgiving service at Peterborough Cathedral at 3pm on Wednesday (August 3).