Welcome to Black Box Planning

Specialist planning &
development consultancy

At Black Box Planning, we don’t just plan – we solve

Black Box Planning is an independent town planning consultancy providing clear, commercially focused advice across the UK. We help developers, landowners, businesses and public sector organisations navigate complex planning challenges, unlock development opportunities and secure positive outcomes.

  • Planning Applications, Appeals & Development Strategy
  • Strategic Land Promotion & Site Identification
  • Planning Consultancy for Developers, Landowners & Businesses
  • Local Authority Support, Planning Policy & Research

Planning with Purpose & Intention

Plan

Planning Prospects Appraisals • Planning Strategy Reports • Strategic Promotion • Land Purchase Advice

Deliver

Project Management • EIA Coordination • Planning Applications • Changes of Use • Lawful Development Certificates

Solve

Planning Appeals • Expert Witness Services • Political Engagement • Community Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement

Sectors We Work With

  • Residential
    • Housing Developments & Planning Applications
    • Strategic Housing Land Promotion
    • Affordable Housing & Mixed-Use Schemes
    • Residential Appeals & Planning Strategy
  • Strategic Land
    • Land Promotion & Site Assessment
    • Local Plan Representations & Allocations
    • Strategic Planning & Development Frameworks
    • Planning Appraisals for Landowners & Developers
  • Telecomms & Renewables
    • Telecommunications Infrastructure Planning
    • Solar Farms, Battery Storage & Renewable Energy
    • Mobile Network & Digital Connectivity Projects
    • Energy Development Planning & Consenting
  • Healthcare, Education & Community
    • Schools, Colleges & Educational Facilities
    • Healthcare & Medical Development Planning
    • Community Buildings & Public Infrastructure
    • Planning Support for Public Service Providers
  • Tourism & Leisure
    • Hotels, Holiday Parks & Visitor Attractions
    • Leisure Facilities & Recreation Development
    • Tourism-Led Regeneration Projects
    • Planning Advice for Hospitality Businesses
  • Commercial & Employment
    • Industrial, Logistics & Employment Land
    • Office, Retail & Commercial Development
    • Business Parks & Employment Growth Projects
    • Planning Applications for Commercial Development
  • Rural & Heritage
    • Agricultural Development & Diversification
    • Listed Buildings & Heritage Assets
    • Rural Enterprise & Estate Planning
    • Planning in Sensitive Landscapes & Conservation Areas
  • Government & Local Authorities
    • Planning Consultancy for Local Authorities
    • Development Management & Casework Support
    • Planning Policy, Evidence Base & Research
    • Public Sector Planning Advice & Training

Client Testimonials

Chris McNulty and the team from Black Box were recommended to us and have recently secured planning permission on our Salcombe property.
We brought them in after a long and tortuous process had run its course and had resulted in a refusal on appeal.
We have been so impressed by the methodical and well thought-through approach by the team at Black Box. They engaged their counterparts in the local planning authority and kept all parties informed throughout. Their strategy was spot-on and they were able to secure the result we wanted through careful preparation and sensitive negotiation.
We would recommend Chris and the team at Black Box without reservation.
Simon & Suzanne Chadwick

The team at Black Box have been a great support across multiple projects in Gloucestershire and the West of England, handling a wide range of applications for both regeneration and new‑build affordable housing schemes. Ben’s advice is consistently technically robust and pragmatic, enabling us to anticipate challenges early and respond effectively.

Lydia Whitaker – Head of Planning
Bromford

I have worked with Conor for more than ten years on the development of my business park, and throughout that time I have always valued his straightforward advice, persistence and knowledge of the planning system.

Most recently, Conor and the team at Black Box Planning secured planning permission for an expansion of our business centre. It was far from a straightforward application, as the development was not allocated in the Local Plan, but they believed strongly in the case and pursued it through appeal, ultimately achieving a successful result.

Having someone you can trust to give you clear advice and keep pushing when things become difficult is enormously important. I have been very pleased with the service I have received over the years and would have no hesitation in recommending Conor and Black Box Planning.

Caspar Tiarks – Director
Tiarks Property Development Ltd

I value working with Blackbox and their team because you can always rely upon them to go the extra mile.   We have used them successfully over many years and have delivered some great projects.

Luke Freeman - Director
MF Freeman
People We Work With