Winner - Hive Land and Planning

Hive Land & Planning is a mid‑size planning consultancy recognised for delivery‑led, collaborative and people‑focused practice. Over the last year, the team has led complex regeneration, housing and brownfield programmes, working as a trusted extension of public‑sector clients to unlock stalled sites and accelerate delivery. Hive’s planners combine technical excellence with creative problem‑solving, inclusive engagement and strong mediation skills, ensuring planning strategies are realistic, fundable and community‑led. 

Judges comments:

The judges considered Hive Land and Planning to be an experienced, professional and collaborative planning consultancy, with a capable team working across a wide range of projects. The submission demonstrated a strong commitment to client service, supported by positive client feedback on communication, flexibility, responsiveness and overall satisfaction. 

The judges were particularly interested in the team’s work on complex and constrained sites, including its experience in garden village projects and its role in helping to unlock difficult sites. The panel also recognised Hive’s commitment to inclusive planning, community engagement, accessibility and climate action, as well as its educational outreach, careers activity and wider engagement with communities and stakeholders. 

Hive’s delivery-led approach, particularly in responding to challenging site circumstances and complex delivery environments was noted by the judges. The submission showed that the consultancy is proactive, commercially aware and committed to providing value for money for its clients, while also seeking to deliver benefits for local communities. 

Overall, Hive Land and Planning is a strong, capable and proactive consultancy with clear strengths in client service, collaboration and complex project delivery, and the team should be proud of its achievements and success in this year’s awards.