We are delighted to announce the winners of the Planning Consultancy of the Year Awards 2009.

Scott Wilson won the Planning Consultancy of the Year Award.  The Judges commented "Scott Wilson's planning consultancy has contributed to the sustainability appraisal of eco-towns, major infrastructure works and national demonstration projects for estate regeneration.   Its advice has tackled key issues in equality, residents' charters and climate change.   Standards are maintained and innovation promoted by investment in training, reflective learning and quality assurance.   Clients comment on the the positive approach of staff prepared to go the extra mile".   

Two commendations were given to Colin Buchanan and Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners.

Laurence Associates won Small Planning Consultancy of the Year.   The judges commented "Laurence Associates has embraced the need to promoted sustainable development.   The practice has expanded in response to the needs of clients and now includes architects, landscape architects, visualisation experts and a Code for Sustainable Homes assessor.   Close working relationships with clients bring together the right range of skills and understanding of local issues and engagement with communities affected by developments, enabling innovative solutions to be developed.   The firm undertakes pro bono work and helps local communities and charities.  Investment in training maintains the staff knowledge and skills range". 

A commendation was awarded to Beacon Planning.   

Richard Heggie who founded Urban Animation won the Planning Consultant of the Year Award.

The judges commented that "Richard comes across as a thoughtful planner who understands the need for a long-term approach and the importance of delivery.  His open and confident stance with clients enables him to contribute ideas and advice that provide advantages both to communities and developers.   He displays a profound understanding of what sustainable development means and how it can be delivered in the context in which he works.   He is helping to improve planning practice following changes to the Scottish planning system, delivering training to consultants, other professionals, council staff and council members".

Congratulations to the above and all those who entered these awards.

 Details of the 2010 Planning Award will be posted here but the closing date is Monday 27 September.

There are three categories for this award:  Planning Consultancy, Small Planning Consultancy and Planning Consultant.   

These awards recognise the diversity of the planning consultancy sector and its clients and the variety of work involved.   All types of planning consultancy activity and businesses are equally eligible.  Entries may be based on a broad range of different types of work or on a narrower specialist area.   Generalist and specialist entries will be given equal consideration.   The emphasis in the assessment process will be on the quality of work, not on the breadth, scale, value or geographical spread of projects undertaken or commercial performance

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for entry for the 2009 award the consultancy must have at least one chartered town planner (MRTPI or FRTPI) who is a principal, partner, director or in permanent employment (including self employment at 1 September 2009). A permanent trading address in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands at 1 September 2009.
And for the purposes of this award scheme, a Small Planning Consultancy is defined as a practice employing no more than 10 chartered town planners.   A Planning Consultant is defined as a chartered town planner who is the sole fee earner in the practice.

See here for the criteria for this award.

Our expert judging panel this year were:

    Pat Castledine, Consents Manager, HS1, representing the RTPI

    Nigel Hawkey, Head of Planning, Quintain and representing the British Property Federation

    David Hackforth, President, Planning Officers Society

For queries re this award please email: awards@rtpi.org.uk or phone: 020 7929 9473

Previous winners of this award:

2002: EDAW

2003: Urban Initiatives

2004: Entec UK Ltd

2005: Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd

2006: Addison & Associates (special award for promoting and adopting best practice)

2007: Arup   

2008: Large Planning Consultancy : Savills  (Commendation to Urban Vision)

          Small Planning Consultancy :  Strategic Planning

          Planning Consultant: (Commendation to Jam Consult)

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These awards are run in association with Planning Magazine.  

Author:

Judy Woollett

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

05-Feb-10

Categories:

 

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