Meet the Team: Lisa Allison, Associate Director of Planning

How long have you worked at Rural Solutions?

I will be celebrating ten years at Rural Solutions this August (2025).

What was your background before coming to Rural Solutions?

After completing an undergraduate degree in Geography at Huddersfield University, I went on to achieve a master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning at Sheffield Hallam University. My career in planning started at Bromsgrove District Council in Worcestershire, where I worked as a Planning Technician and then a Planning Officer. Bromsgrove is 90 per cent Green Belt, so I was faced with many complex planning challenges early in my career. After three years, I moved to Leeds and worked at a niche planning law firm. This gave me a strong foundation, as planning law underpins everything we do at Rural Solutions. My true passion has always been development in rural locations, so moving into this field was a natural step for me.

What division are you a part of, and what can you tell us about your team?

I am part of the Planning team at Rural Solutions, where I work as an Associate Director. We are a close-knit group – both personally and professionally. We are all outdoorsy and self-motivated, which is reflective of the broader Rural Solutions culture. Many of us enjoy activities like running, climbing, and hiking, and have enjoyed several outdoor challenges over the years.

On a professional level, we are highly analytical, adaptable, and ambitious. Everyone is committed to delivering high-quality work, often on complex projects in sensitive landscapes. We work closely with clients who expect an exceptional level of service, and we always go the extra mile to ensure we meet their needs. It’s unique and dynamic for a rural practice, proving high-level planning expertise isn’t typically limited to cities like London.

What does a 'typical' day look like for you?

There really isn’t one! Every day brings something different. One moment I could be working with a project team and presenting a site to a Design Review Panel. Then, I might be attending a planning hearing or collaborating with a project team to kick-off a new scheme and creating a planning strategy. The diversity of projects and the unexpected nature of the work keeps things exciting.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Rural Solutions?

The variety of projects. The range and complexity of what we work on is fascinating and often located in some truly stunning locations. But most of all, I enjoy working with our team, a group of like-minded individuals who are not only great at what they do but also fabulous people.

What is the most exciting or unusual project that you have worked on?

One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on was a tricky planning application for an exceptional country house to be known as ‘The Hen House’. We secured planning permission in 2024 for an egg farmer’s new home. Our client wanted a forever home on his land to reflect the hard work he’d put in to build his successful business and humble beginnings. We secured planning permission for the truly outstanding new home that will blend seamlessly into the landscape. It was a great experience working with the scheme architects to fine-tune the concept and guide the client through the process. Seeing it take shape as a place in the future that he can call home, is incredibly rewarding.

Is there anything that you have learned since joining Rural Solutions that really stands out to you?

Every day is a learning day, no matter how long you’ve worked in planning! One of the most insightful aspects has been working with, and as part of, the estates team within Rural Solutions and understanding the challenges many rural estates face. It’s truly a privilege to advise estate owners on the next steps in the estate lifecycle and how they can remain sustainable for generations to come.

Where is your favourite place in the British countryside and why?

Without a doubt – Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast. It is a beautiful landscape that holds many happy family memories for me. It’s such an interesting place with charming winding streets down to the sea. It really is a wonderful rural location, my happy place.

Describe Rural Solutions in three 'words'

Challenging, great projects and a fun team.

Find out more about Rural Solutions

We help unravel the complexities of the planning system, providing clear advice to address the unique challenges of rural planning. Find out more about the range of services we offer at Rural Solutions here.