At a glance
- Local authority support
- Neighbourhood plans
- NHS estate projects
- Heritage advice
- Appeals and public inquiries
Clients
Public Sector
Planning, architecture, heritage and appeals support for public bodies, not-for-profits and community-led projects.
Key contact
Jon Millhouse
Director – Chartered Town Planner
Clear advice for public-facing work
Public sector projects need evidence, judgement and a process that stands up to scrutiny.
Planning & Design Practice has worked with public sector and not-for-profit bodies for over 20 years, including Government Agencies, District and Unitary Local Authorities, County Councils, Town and Parish Councils, NHS bodies and neighbourhood planning groups.
Our senior team includes professionals with public sector experience, giving us a strong understanding of the processes, expectations and sensitivities that shape public-facing work. We provide measured, practical support across planning, architecture, heritage, urban design, consultation and appeals.
Public sector consultancy support
From local plan evidence and neighbourhood planning to healthcare estate projects and appeal work, we provide clear, proportionate advice for public bodies and community-focused organisations.
Neighbourhood plans
Support for Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Plan Groups, including plan structure, public consultation, policy wording, soundness checks and advice on funding streams.
Local authority appeals
Appeal statements, expert witness support, public inquiry work and process management for councils defending planning decisions.
NHS and public estate projects
Planning and design support for public estate improvements, healthcare facilities, ward extensions, car parking and operational infrastructure.
Heritage and listed assets
Specialist heritage advice, including Listed Building Consent, Heritage Impact Assessments and consultation support where historic assets are involved.
Consultation and engagement
Support with public consultation events, stakeholder engagement and the clear presentation of planning and design proposals.
Urban design and placemaking
Design advice for public-facing projects where layout, movement, character, accessibility and long-term place quality all need to be considered.
Services for public sector projects
Public sector work often requires advice that is clear, robust and suitable for review by officers, members, consultees, stakeholders and the public.
Urban Design
Design and placemaking support for public-facing sites, regeneration work, movement, layout and community-focused projects.
Planning
Planning advice, evidence, applications, reports and strategy for public sector bodies, agencies and community-led projects.
Heritage
Specialist input for listed buildings, conservation areas, historic public assets and heritage-sensitive proposals.
Architecture
Architectural support for public buildings, extensions, adaptations and estate improvement projects.
Appeals
Appeal statements, expert witness support, hearings and public inquiry work for local authorities and public bodies.
Enforcement
Professional advice on planning enforcement matters where public bodies require clear, evidence-led support.
A measured approach to public sector work
Public sector projects need clear scope, accountable decision-making and information that can be tested, reviewed and relied upon.
Define the brief
Clarify the objectives, stakeholders and governance context
We begin by understanding the project purpose, decision-making process, key stakeholders, reporting requirements and any wider policy or public interest considerations.
Frame the evidence
Identify what needs to be assessed
We establish the planning, design, heritage, consultation or appeal matters that need to be addressed, and agree the right level of evidence for the task.
Prepare robust advice
Produce clear reports, statements and supporting material
We prepare proportionate, well-structured material that can support decision-making, consultation, applications, appeals or committee processes.
Support engagement
Assist with consultation, negotiation and professional input
Where needed, we support engagement with officers, members, consultees, local communities, barristers, other consultants and expert witnesses.
See the process through
Manage next steps with care and consistency
We remain involved through revisions, inquiries, conditions, reporting and follow-up advice, helping the work progress in a professional and measured way.
Featured projects
Experience where process matters
Public sector understanding
Members of our senior team have worked in the public sector, helping us understand governance, reporting, scrutiny and decision-making requirements.
Professional and measured advocacy
Where appeals or inquiries are involved, we present strong planning arguments in a careful, balanced and professional way.
Community-facing work
We support neighbourhood plans, public consultation events and projects where local engagement and clear communication are important.
Heritage expertise when it matters
Our heritage team can provide tailored support on Listed Building Consent, Heritage Impact Assessments and sensitive public assets.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We have worked with Government Agencies, District and Unitary Local Authorities, County Councils, Town and Parish Councils, NHS bodies and not-for-profit organisations.
Yes. We can advise Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Plan Groups on structure, policy wording, consultation, soundness testing and funding opportunities.
Yes. We can prepare appeal statements, manage the appeals process and provide expert witness support for hearings and public inquiries where the planning arguments are justified.
Yes. Our heritage specialists can support projects involving listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive settings, including Listed Building Consent and Heritage Impact Assessments.
Yes. We have supported healthcare estate projects including ward extensions, operating theatre facilities, patient ward provision and car parking infrastructure.
Yes. We can help organise and run public consultation events, prepare material for engagement and present proposals clearly to communities and stakeholders.
Need clear, defensible advice?
Talk to us about your public sector project
Whether you need support with a neighbourhood plan, public estate project, heritage matter, consultation process or appeal, we can help define the right approach.
