UK Enterprise Awards 2026 / 86 Town Planning Consultancy of the Year 2026 - East of England Katie Smith founded KS Town Planning in 2023 with the purpose of helping developers, homeowners, and business owners across England to navigate the Planning system. A Chartered Town Planner, accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute, Katie brings two decades of experience working in local authorities with large areas of Green Belt, where she developed a solid understanding of planning policies and case law, which today enables her to assist clients in making the strongest possible case for development. We speak to Katie to learn more about her award-winning business. In recent years, the planning system has become increasingly burdensome, expensive, slower, and less certain. In England, there has been a trend to increase regulation, requiring planning applications to be accompanied by a range of technical surveys such as ecology, drainage, flood, trees, and highway reports. This makes planning applications very costly, and this is wasted if there is an underlying reason as to why development should be refused – for example, if it is in the Green Belt without justification. KS Town Planning is here to help with all planning woes, working with clients to identify policies and constraints that may lead to refusal to de-risk planning applications and ensure clients only pursue developments that have a reasonable chance of success. It works to support its clients with all aspects of planning, such as site acquisition and feasibility, pre-application advice, planning applications, and planning appeals. It also assists post-permission with matters including planning conditions and viability review, in addition to supporting in promoting land for allocation for future large-scale development within councils’ local plans. Furthermore, the company understands that sometimes things can go wrong and that people can make mistakes, thus Katie will work closely and compassionately with clients to resolve enforcement issues arising from breaches of planning control. “At KS Town Planning, we strive to deliver the best possible service to our clients,” says Katie. “Our service is based on the core principles of honesty, realism, and pragmatics. We advise clients honestly on the likelihood of success, saving them time and money in instances where there is little chance of securing a planning permission. We advise on strategy, setting out the best pathway to maximise the likelihood of securing consent. “At KS Town Planning, we plan beyond the grant of planning permission – working with partners such as architects, surveyors, and land agents to ensure that if a planning permission is secured, it is practically capable of delivery onsite and will be financially viable to build.” Katie is joined at the company by staff who align on the same values and principles as herself – placing clients’ needs at the centre of everything they do. She works with experienced town planners, but also enthusiastic and ambitious juniors who are interested in enhancing their skills and experience. Furthermore, continuous professional development is a high priority for the team, with the belief that every day is an opportunity to learn something new and collaborate with fellow planning consultants and lawyers to remain ahead when it comes to the latest changes in policies, law, and procedures. In turn, the company offers training to fellow professionals including architectural practices to ensure that all professional partners remain up-to-date, as well as offering white label services to architects who wish to produce documents such as Planning Statements under their own in-house branding. Additionally, it provides training opportunities for development professionals so they can accurately and confidently advise their clients regarding the need for planning permission. Ultimately, it is easy to see how KS Town Planning has come to be named Town Planning Consultancy of the Year 2026 - East of England, with its extensive expertise, professionalism, and commitment to supporting clients with top tier service. To conclude, some clients share their experiences in working with the firm: “What impressed me most was her deep understanding of planning regulations and the ability to navigate our complex technical requirements with ease. Katie’s expertise saved us considerable time and potential setbacks that could have derailed our timeline. Her professionalism was evident in every interaction – she was punctual, well-prepared, and maintained clear communication throughout the entire process. I would not hesitate to recommend KS Town Planning to anyone seeking planning expertise. Katie’s combination of technical knowledge, professional approach, and strategic thinking make her an invaluable partner.” Roc-Haus Chartered Surveyors and Architectural Design said “KS Town Planning and Katie are a pleasure to work with… knowledgeable, up to date on the latest policies and rule changes and always offering pragmatic advice regards sites and development opportunities. An invaluable resource when dealing with any development site … don’t leave home without them!.” For more information about KS Town Planning, visit the company website or reach out over email via info@kstownplanning.co.uk. Company name: KS Town Planning Ltd Contact name: Katie Smith Website: www.kstownplanning.co.uk Email: info@kstownplanning.co.uk
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