News

Government launches key consultations to streamline planning and biodiversity net gain implementation

A series of consultations are underway by the Government aimed at improving planning processes, including two focused on biodiversity net gain.

The ‘first conversation’ on future land use and development in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council are in the process of creating the first area wide plan, which will guide local decision making on what can be developed, and how land will be used, over the next 15-20 years.

Growing our Design Team with a new acquisition

Rural Solutions is delighted to announce the acquisition of NineTen Architects and welcomes Alexander McDow to the team.

The Land Use Framework explained

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), has launched what they hope will be a ‘national conversation’ about land use, through a Land Use Consultation running until the end of April 2025.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill - Nature Restoration Fund and Compulsory Purchase

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduced by the Government in March 2025 includes a series of actions to ‘get Britain building again and deliver economic growth’.

How can natural capital markets benefit farmers and landowners

ffinlo Costain, Chief Editor at 8point9.com on how natural capital opportunities might be stacked alongside other land uses for farmers and other landowners.

Meet the Team: Lisa Allison, Associate Director of Planning

In our latest 'Meet the Team' article, we’re speaking with Lisa Allison, an Associate Director in our Planning team. Lisa provides an insight into complex rural planning challenges, and what it is like to work in the rural sector.

Estate-led development: influencing local policy

Rural estates are complex entities balancing custodianship of environmental and heritage assets with multiple roles as providers and producers of homes, jobs, community amenities, food, forestry, habitats, access, and more.

Redefining possibilities - a landmark development for a national organisation

British Naturism came to Rural Solutions with a vibrant and positive aspiration for the redevelopment of its Sunfolk site, which is nestled within a five-acre woodland in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

The grey belt – opportunity for rural landowners, or just a grey area?

The Government’s focus on unlocking development land to address the housing crisis has led to the introduction of a new planning concept – grey belt land. Lisa Allison, an Associate Director in the Planning team, explains.

Unlocking rural development - Webinar on planning and policy changes

Our latest webinar saw our team of experts discuss the evolving outlook for the rural sector, and the policy changes reshaping rural land development and investment.

Glynde Whole Estate Plan – a foundation for the future

In September 2024, the Glynde Whole Estate Plan was formally endorsed by South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). Rural Solutions worked closely with the owners and management team at Glynde to develop a long-term strategy to enable a sustainable future for the estate.