Expert Planning Solutions for Successful, Sustainable Development
Lawson Planning Partnership is an independent town planning consultancy practice, established in 2005.
LPP worked collaboratively with MTX’s multidisciplinary project team to provide a bespoke healthcare solution to meet the needs of the Trust. This included LPP meeting key planning milestones to align with the project programme and ensure a faster return on the associated NHS investment.
Daniel Harrad, Senior Project Lead
MTX Contracts Ltd
I cannot stress highly enough the help and encouragement given by LPP Ltd… throughout the lead up to the appeal, both in the consideration of the case in the round, and the unstinting encouragement and research help for us to gather and order evidence on material planning grounds, and advised us on how to produce it in a form fit for our short third-party presentations.
Dorian Kelly
Colchester Voices
The clarity and effectiveness of the planning advice provided to the Trust by LPP has been evidenced by the most rapid approval (and, most importantly, on the timeline predicted) of every planning application we have made. LPP’s responsiveness combined with their expert challenge and support to project teams from the pre-consultation stage through to preparation of the business case and planning application has helped to ensure our continued success.
Andrew McLaughlin, Director of Clinical Strategy Implementation
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
The support and advice given by LPP during the course of the Covid pandemic has enabled the Trust to construct a number of critical healthcare facilities at a rapid pace in our response to this awful disease… LPP worked in true partnership with the Trust’s Estates and Facilities department responding quickly, effectively and efficiently.
Paul Fenton MBC, Director of Estates and Facilities
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
I was the appointed planning officer that worked with LPP regarding a proposed healthcare facility in Clacton-on-Sea. A collaborative approach was adopted which enabled a streamlined planning process from start to finish which was assisted further by the quality of LPP’s planning submission. Throughout the process, LPP’s communication and timeliness to provide responses was notable along with their ability to provide flexibility to address key matters. LPP were agreeable and professional throughout, making it easier to achieve the best outcome for the project, in the public interest.
Amy Lang, Senior Planning Officer
Tendring District Council
As a small group of citizens representing several hundred fighting a planning appeal we relied on the pro bono hand holding given by LPP. They helped our community group focus our objection on planning issues, built our confidence, held our hands through unfamiliar procedures, and guided us as we delivered our concerns to the planning inspector.
Sir Bob Russell, former MP for Colchester and currently High Steward of Colchester
Thank you so much for commissioning this excellent response. I think it covers the points we have identified very well and brings to bear expert knowledge of the legal precedent and policy framework.
Dr Shane Gordon, Director of Strategy, Research and Innovation
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
We are all reading our way through your Historic Building Report on the Crown & Anchor... I must say that it is a superb piece of work, with great attention to fascinating and important detail and great images; it is an extremely informative document. Thank you, we are delighted with it and it will certainly be very helpful in our considerations about the future of the buildings.
Dawn Rose, Managing Director
OMCI Ltd
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📚LPP were kindly invited to GreyFriars Hotel & Restaurant in Colchester for the launch of the second edition of “GreyFriars: The Seven Lives of a Special Site”, written by Joan Gurney and Alan Skinner MBE. The book follows the history of the site from the Roman era 🏛️ all the way through to its most recent former use as a college of Adult Education. 👩🏫
It was a lovely event, showcasing the varied history of the site and bringing together many people who had or still have a connection to the site, including LPP’s Planner Katie. Katie’s grandmother used to teach embroidery and other fabric crafts at the Adult Education college.
LPP were the planners appointed to support the project, restoring the Grade II* Listed building and its Grade II Listed neighbours to convert them into the luxury hotel and restaurant as seen today. It was wonderful to return and appreciate the site in its present glory.
#townplanners #planning #heritage #HistoricColchester #greyfriarscolchester
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🎉 Winners! 🎉
See our other post for highlights, including the lovely comments we received from the @rtpiplanners judges, and John and Aarti, our Managing Director and Technical Director, in their finery! 👏💜
#townplanning #planningconsultants #RTPIAwards
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🏆 LPP is delighted to announce that we are the Mid-Size Planning Consultancy of the Year WINNER at the @rtpiplanners East of England Awards for Planning Excellence 2026! 🏗️
The judges commented, ‘This Planning Consultancy has been awarded Mid‑Size Planning Consultancy of the Year in recognition of its exceptional culture of motivation, strong leadership, and effective communication, supported by a team that listens, collaborates, and values diverse perspectives. Its commitment to nurturing talent — including developing several ‘home‑grown’ planners — strengthens both the organisation and the wider profession. The consultancy’s dedication to giving back through community engagement and raising awareness of planning further sets it apart, while its unwavering focus on delivering sustainable development through inclusion, collaboration, and hard work firmly establishes it as a truly deserving winner.’
John Lawson, Managing Director of LPP said, ‘We’re delighted to be recognised by the RTPI in this way and it’s a real privilege to work with such a talented Team!’
#RTPIAwards #PlanningExcellence #Planning #TownPlanning #rtpi
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We are delighted to see how wonderful the @the_rhs Wellbeing Garden at @esneft’s Colchester Hospital is looking this year. 💐
LPP secured consent for the garden in 2023, and it opened in 2024 to provide a place of relaxation for patients, staff and visitors. The @princeandprincessofwales visited the garden almost a year ago to plant some roses and this summer, the garden is in full bloom.
#townplanning #healthcare #planningconsultants #colchesterhospital #esneft
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