2. Introducing....
Leith Planning
Regardless of the changing face of global
economies, land in the UK has reliably remained
one of the most valuable and attractive assets
across the world. Whether the pound is strong
or not, there remains an interest in promoting
land and property through the planning process
with a view to maximizing a sites
development potential.
Good examples are the significant demand for
both housing and healthcare developments. An
explosion in the UK’s population coupled
with people living for longer, has led to a
significant demand for a wider range of housing
schemes and well-conceived retirement and
health care developments. In response, the
government is encouraging Local Authorities
towards “a presumption in favour of sustainable
development”. Furthermore, as a result of this
population growth, supporting sectors such
as infrastructure and retail have also attracted
investment and robust land values.
At the core of the Leith Planning Group is
our Town and Country Planning expertise. A
foundation of experience that spans over 30
years. Our client base includes landowners,
developers, pension funds, health care
operators, retailers and charities all of which are
seeking professional advice and an exceptional
level of client care.
We are known for going the extra mile to
protect our clients’ interests ensuring that all
our projects, whether a domestic extension or
a £180 million development, receives the same
attention to detail and exquisite output that our
clients have come to expect.
Our vision is a simple one... “To deliver our
clients aspirations, protect their interests
and ensure that the customer experience is
exceptional. This is all underpinned by exquisite
client care and hardworking family values”
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Chris Plenderleith
Group Managing Director
‘‘The Leith Planning Group has significant
expertise in town and country planning and has built
up an exceptional contact base in the development
industry. The Leith Planning team are known for
their ability to accurately evaluate planning risk and
secure viable planning consents across the UK. With
over 30 years’ experience, the Leith Planning brand
has become renowned for its exceptional service and
commitment to its partners and clients.
’’

3. Chris is the Managing Director of the Leith
Planning Group. Chris has over 30 years experience
in Town and Country Planning and is a full member
of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Chris is
recognised nationally as an expert on town and
country planning and specialises in leveraged
negotiations and Section 106 Agreements.
For over 20 years Chris contributed to the
updating of a leading work, “Planning Law Practice
and Precedents”, published by Sweet and Maxwell,
co-authors Robert Turrall-Clarke and Stephen
Tromans QC. Chris recently wrote an article
with Sasha White QC of Landmark Chambers,
published in Issue 4 [2015] of the Journal of
Planning and Environmental Law, entitled ‘Access
to Environmental Information: 30 Years On’ [2015]
J.P.L. 409.
For over 10 years Chris was retained as a planning
consultant to the Planning and Property Litigation
Law Group of DAC Beachcroft (Solicitors), based
at their offices at 100 Fetter Lane, London, EC4A
1BN, who have a national practice. Whilst working
for DAC Beachcroft Chris regularly acted for the
Secretary of State for Health. Chris presently acts
for and alongside several national and international
law firms, including DAC Beachcroft, Nicholas
& Co Solicitors, Thomas Eggar and Field Fisher
Waterhouse, providing expert planning advice and
evidence in High Court Proceedings.
Chris’ public sector experience is extensive and in
addition to working for Regional Health Authorities
and Trusts Chris has recently worked on a project
for student accommodation on land adjacent to
Exeter University and student housing proposals in
Shrewsbury (with Morris Properties).
Chris has acted as a planning consultant on several
matters that involved leveraged negotiations on
the back of High Court litigation. A number of the
High Court cases are reported in The Journal of
Planning and Environmental Law.
By way of example, Chris acted for Eames
London Estates Ltd. in connection with the
matter of Valentine Plus Ltd v Secretary of State
for Communities and Local Government and
Kensington and Chelsea RLBC. The matter involved
the interpretation of the General Permitted
Development Order and is reported in the above
journal at [2015] J.P.L 707-713.
4
Team Credentials
CHRIS PLENDERLEITH, BA (HONS) MRTPI
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
Shan’s background is centered on commercial
sales and corporate strategy. He received his
early sales training as a Global Sales Executive for
SPG Media, a multi-national advertising company,
with the responsibility for managing advertising
campaigns for a number of publications to North
America, Western Europe, South Africa and Asia.
Shan was the Managing Director of Fusion Online
Limited which was Leith Planning’s sister company
and owned by Chris Plenderleith (who acted
as Executive Chairman). Fusion Online was the
UK’s largest provider of planning policy data and
partnered with the government’s central website
service (www.planningportal.gov.uk) to provide
all registered users (almost 500,000) with the
provision of planning policy data for England and
Wales to both the private and public sectors.
Throughout his career Shan has also advised
companies on sales and marketing strategies and
has delivered a number of seminars on effective
commercial sales methods.
Shan has been working with Leith Planning
Ltd since 2004 and as the groups Commercial
Director he has developed the necessary corporate
strategies to ensure that Leith Planning Ltd has
continued to grow and develop during one of the
UK’s most challenging economic environments.
Shan is responsible for managing the groups
investment arm and growing portfolio of sites
across the UK. Shan is responsible for developing
and overseeing the implementation of Leith
Planning’s corporate strategies (specifically Sales,
Corporate Investment, Marketing and Customer
Care) and works very closely with Chris to ensure
that over the short, medium and long term, the
company continues to provide industry leading
services to its clients.
7
Team Credentials
SHAN DASSANAIKE, MINSTSMM
GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

4. Sam has worked with Leith Planning Ltd since
2002, is a full member of the RTPI (Royal Town
Planning Institute) and graduated with a Masters
Degree in Town Planning from the University of
Manchester.
Sam has developed specialised skills in dealing
with a wide range of contentious projects (some
of which have been covered by the national
media). She is able to successfully manage projects
that require lateral thinking and is well versed in
bringing together and leading specialist teams
to ensure that large and/or complex projects are
delivered on time, within budget and in line with
the clients commercial aspirations.
Sam has significant experience in preparing
for and attending Public Inquiries, attending
appeal hearings, evaluating potential sites for
their planning merit and negotiating with Local
Authorities and third parties. As Group Planning
Director, Sam is also heavily involved in our land
and property investment arm, and has been
successful in securing consents that have added
considerable value to our investment portfolio.
Projects that Sam has been involved in during
her career include:
• Promotion of sites through the evolving local
plan process and securing site specific
allocations.
• A large range of residential, retail, employment
and hotel applications, managed from initial
identification through to delivery of consent.
• Project managing a large ASDA retail scheme
in Gloucestershire.
• Project managing large scale residential
applications including Green Belt sites.
• Preparing and submitting an application for retail
units for Floors2Go, Indoor Golf, Skin,
Evans Cycles and Frankie & Benny’s.
• Project Management and attendance at a Public
Hearing objecting to a psychiatric unit in
Berkshire.
• Judicial Review – Pre Action Protocol relating to
the lack of a justification on a decision made by
Vale Royal Borough Council.
• A range of leisure applications including touring
and static caravans and ‘glamping’ pods.
• Large extension of a commercial development in
the Green Belt.
• Project Management and the submission of
an application in North Somerset for a 22
bed psychiatric unit incorporating “green”
technologies in the floodplain.
• Re-Development of agricultural farm buildings to
create a regional tourist attraction, craft centre
and retail outlets in Cheshire.
Scott joined the Leith planning Group in 2016 as
our Senior Planning Consultant and adds a huge
amount of value to the planning team. Scott
graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma
in Environmental Planning from Liverpool
John Moores and is a full member of the RTPI
(Royal Town Planning Institute).
Scott started his career working for Local
Government and has over 15 years’ experience
determining a full range of minor and major
planning applications. Over the last several years
Scott has been working in the private sector for
consultants preparing, submitting and negotiating
on planning applications, prior approvals and
listed building consents.
Scott has considerable experience organising and
managing community consultation meetings with
local stakeholders, carrying out pre application
consultations and managing multi-disciplinary
teams throughout the planning process. Scott’s
extensive experience provides another strong link
to our exceptional planning team.
Scott has experience dealing with all types of
planning appeals, including preparing written
statements and giving expert evidence at Pubic
Inquiries and informal hearings.
Throughout his career Scott has worked on
projects such as:
• Redevelopment of a 26ha Former Vulcan Works
Foundry for 630 dwellings, local centre, live/
work units, public open space and sports and
recreation facilities.
• Mixed use development on 54 ha for
1,200 dwellings, local centre, public open space
and sports/recreation facilities.
• A new 14,500 sqm Academy (Secondary
School/6th Form College) for 1,650 pupils,
construct associated hard play areas, sports
playing fields, multi use games areas with 12m
high floodlighting, car parking and servicing
with 8m high street lighting, hard and soft
landscaping including perimeter fencing/gates,
CCTV, underground bio mass plant room, boiler
and storage area and 3no. 18m high
wind turbines.
• The restoration of two grade II listed buildings in
a serious state of disrepair with significant
enabling development, new dwellings on land
proposed for the Inter-modal freight terminal.
• Conversion of a farmhouse and existing Dutch
barn and reconstruction of outbuildings for
29 bedroom brain injury rehabilitation unit
and ancillary workshop units together with
associated gardens, landscaping, car parking,
boundary treatment and access improvements.
• Reclamation and regrading of 5.2ha of land
together with construction of access and main
spine road for Class B1 (Business), B2 (General
Industry) and B8 (Storage & Distribution) uses.
• Telecommunications developments in AONB’s,
World Heritage Sites, Conservation Areas and on
listed buildings
Team Credentials Team Credentials
SAMANTHA NICHOLLS, BA (HONS) MTCP MRTPI
GROUP PLANNING DIRECTOR
SCOTT BRACKEN, PG DIP EP, MRTPI
SENIOR PLANNING CONSULTANT
7

5. Rebecca graduated with a Masters Degree in
Environmental Planning from Liverpool John
Moores University and began her planning career
as a Planning Officer within the Development
Control Department at Fylde Borough Council.
Rebecca has been working with Leith Planning
Ltd since 2005 and as Associate Planning Director
Rebecca has developed an impressive background
(assisted by her experience working in the public
sector) in dealing with projects that require a
creative outlook in order to achieve the clients
commercial aspirations.
Rebecca is currently heading up projects where
the focus will be on the provision of renewable
energy and the developments are endeavouring
to surpass the requirements of the Code for the
Sustainable Homes and be classified as a BREEAM
Excellent development.
Throughout her career Rebecca has worked on
projects such as
• Lytham Quays (a major mixed use development
on the Lytham coast) Residential developments
including developments on former contaminated
sites in the North West.
• Telecommunications Applications
• Dealing with Planning Appeals as a Planning
Officer for Fylde Borough Council
• Working with the Welsh Assembly on a mixed
use development and master planning exercise.
Liaising with Welsh Assembly Government and
consultants on evolving the policy framework
and Masterplan process.
• Cygnet Health Care hospitals including new
60 bed extension to an existing hospital in
Stevenage
• Residential schemes in Preston
• Extra care developments across England
for MHA
• Retail applications in the North West including
Subway and Floors 2 Go
• 220 berth in land marina in Solihull
Lee is a well-established property professional,
with over 16 years’ experience in the development
industry. Lee has specialised in the healthcare and
licensed and leisure sectors with an established
track record of delivering his client’s corporate
objectives in property, investment sales and
acquisition both in the UK and mainland Europe.
In addition to managing investment portfolios in
Europe and developing his own family businesses,
Lee has worked for Downing Developments,
Dale Carnegie and Christie & Co.
In his capacity as Business Development Executive
for the Leith Planning Group Lee is responsible
for the development of the Groups commercial
strategy and delivering the individual companies
sales and marketing objectives.
Lee has managed the sale of landmark sites and
properties in the following areas:
Lee has managed the sale of landmark sites and
properties in the following areas:
Rocco Forte
Hilton Hotels
Everton Football Club
Liverpool Football Club
Balfour Beatty
Marstons
BAE Systems
Jaguar Land Rover
Team Credentials Team Credentials
REBECCA BOOTH, MSC (DIST) BSC (HONS)
ASSOCIATE PLANNING DIRECTOR
LEE BLOOMBERG, BA (HONS) MARKETING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
8
UK:
Manchester
Liverpool
North Wales
Lancashire
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Exeter
Central London
East Midlands
Newcastle
Leeds
Europe:
Spain
Denmark
Switzerland
Finland
Portugal
Czech Republic

6. Sally’s involvement in Leith Planning began 20
years ago on the day that Chris started the
company from their home in Hemel Hempstead.
As a Co-Owner and Director in the company Sally
has helped to support Chris from an operational
and strategic perspective and as the company and
team have grown, Sally has used her experience to
ensure that Leith Planning’s growth into a national
and well respected Town & Country Planning
consultancy remained steady and controlled.
Sally is also well known for her ability to keep the
Boss in line when needed!!
Stephen joined Leith Planning in January 2013
as a Sales Apprentice to assist in the growth
of our Development Plan monitoring company
Fusion Online Ltd. Stephens exceptional growth
and value to the Leith Planning Group resulted
in him being nominated for the UK Apprentice
of the Year award where Stephen came second
place, in a category that saw him competing with
candidates with over two years more experience in
the work place. As Stephen’s role evolved he was
then offered a permanent position by the Leith
Planning Group to assist with the administrative
and commercial aspects of Leith Planning Ltd and
its various subsidiary companies.
Team Credentials
SALLY PLENDERLEITH
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
10
STEPHEN SANDFORD
ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER
11
We have considerable experience
of advising on healthcare facilities
and presently act for Barchester,
Cygnet Healthcare, Morris Healthcare,
Methodist Homes for the Aged as well
as Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital and
the redevelopment of Runwell and
Claybury Hospitals.
Leith Planning Ltd has considerable
experience in relation to the
provision of both private and public
healthcare facilities varying from 8
bed extensions to 90 bed new build
hospitals; including liaising with local
communities and
local police.
Leith Planning Ltd has dealt with
numerous schemes for healthcare
provision including an extension in
North Somerset which incorporated
sustainable design principles
in an Earth Sheltered Building
incorporating a Sedum Roof.
We have worked with Cambridge
University on the redevelopment of
their Fitzwilliam College Boat Club
including replacement boathouse
with boat store, gym and shower/
changing facilities. Leith Planning
Ltd also worked alongside Leicester
University in relation to their plans to
redevelop/develop their estate.
Leith Planning Limited was
instructed to review the High Speed
2 rail proposals and research the
likely implications on our client’s
estate near Knutsford. We drafted
comprehensive representations
seeking to protect the Scheduled
Ancient Monument and Grade II*
Listed Building.
Healthcare:
Relevant Experience:

7. Relevant Experience:
GRANGE HOTELS LIMITED
BEDFONT LAKES, HOUNSLOW
We have recently secured consent for a £150
million development for Grange Hotels including
a circa 430 bed 5* Hotel with conference
facilities in London which has been the subject of
comprehensive pre-application negotiations. This
consent has been secured despite the Council’s
best endeavours to re-allocate the site as Green
Belt land.
SUMA DEVELOPMENTS
STAFFORD
We have prepared a number of applications
for Suma Developments including the erection
of a premises to include Class A5 (Hot food
takeaways), D1 (Non-residential institutions) and/
or A1 (Shops) of the Use Classes Order.
OFFICE SHOES, 47-49 OXFORD
STREET, LONDON
We recently secured consent for Office Shoes for
their flagship store in Oxford Street for detailed
permission with advertisement consent for a
modern shop front within a Conservation Area.
ASDA STORE, FOREST OF DEAN
Leith Planning Limited participated in successfully
securing consent for the erection of an Asda
retail supermarket and supporting employment
development providing approximately 550 jobs
incorporating over 10,000m2 of built development
in the Forest of Dean.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
We have secured a number of consents for the
conversion of office accommodation to residential
development across the UK. Some of which
have included properties within Conservation
Areas, Listed Buildings and in areas, which have
policies seeking to protect employment land in
notoriously contentious local authority areas such
as City of London, Westminster and Camden.
Leith Planning secured consent for the change of
use and conversion of 22 Tower Street, London,
WC2H 9TW from offices (Class B1) to residential
accommodation (Class C3) comprising 21
apartments and associated works, successfully
navigating Camden Council’s presumption against
the loss of office floorspace.
ROBINSONS BREWERY –
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Leith Planning Limited is instructed to assist
Frederic Robinson Limited in the review and
management of their assets for disposal. We
have recently successfully secured the release
of a 5.4ha site from the Green Belt to deliver
approximately 150 dwellings through the
emerging policy framework.
WIGMORE ST, LONDON
We recently won a longstanding battle with
Westminster City Council securing an approval on
appeal for rear extensions and internal alterations
to a property on Wigmore Street in the Harley
Street Conservation Area. Westminster Council
had opposed the rear extensions vehemently
based on impact on the Conservation Area and
we were particularly delighted with some of the
views expressed by the Inspector in his decision.
The highlights included:
“I do not share completely its [the Council’s]
enthusiasm for the existing architectural
character.”
“…I consider the material harm to the
Conservation Area to be so minimal as to be
incapable of recognition.”
We hope to see many more Inspectors’ Decisions
that cause such delight within the office!
WANDSWORTH &
WESTMINSTER MIND
Leith Planning successfully secured consent for
the relocation of Wandsworth and Westminster
Mind from their current premises to a new town
centre location within Wandsworth.
We also successfully secured consent for the
conversion of their existing day centre (Class D1)
to residential (Class C3) to release the necessary
funding for the charity to purchase and develop
their new facilities in Wandsworth.
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT –
GUILDFORD
Leith Planning secured consent for a mixed
commercial / residential development including
retail (Class A1); financial and professional (Class
A2) restaurants/ cafes (Class A3); non-residential
institution/clinic (Class D1); a Gym, Assembly
and leisure (Class D2); a total of 111 residential
units with 79 car parking spaces and storage for
bicycles
LEISURE AND TOURISM
We have a number of on-going leisure and
tourism projects. We have recently secured
consent for Campbells Caravans, the largest
touring caravan and motorhome retailer in the
North West. The scheme secured consent for an
extended sales and display area of approximately
2.6ha within open countryside.
We are instructed on behalf of Morris Leisure
and have recently secured consent for 135 pitch
touring caravan park and associated development
in Llanberis. We also secured consent for the
highly successful Morris Leisure site at Ludlow.
PART 3 CLASS F OF THE GPDO
We won on Appeal a Certificate of Lawfulness
under Part 3 Class F of the GDPO relating to
the conversion of first floor retail space to
residential development. The Inspector in this
case supported our view despite the fact that his
application was fiercely opposed by the Council
and local residents, including the existing retail
tenant. This decision was the first of its kind
to truly test the interpretation of the Permitted
Development Rights under Part 3 Class F of
the GDPO and as such was included within the
‘Editor’s Pick’ on the Planning Resource website
in June 2014 http://www.planningresource.co.uk/
article/1297916/editors-pick-separate-flat-above-
shop-unit-permitted-development.
12 13

8. CLIENT LIST:
PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA
Cygnet Healthcare Ltd
Grange Hotel City Group
Morris Leisure
EPC UK
Beachcroft Wansborough
Nicholas & Co Solicitors
Office Holdings Ltd
Windowflowers Ltd
Campbells Caravans
St Martin of Tours HA Ltd
Frederic Robinson
Partridge Lake Fisheries
Wandsworth &
Westminster MIND
Suma Developments
Stenham Properties
Field Fisher LLP
Publications
Chris Plenderleith wrote an article with
Sasha White QC of Landmark Chambers,
published in Issue 4 [2015] of the
Journal of Planning and Environmental
Law, entitled ‘Access to Environmental
Information: 30 Years On [2015] J.P.L.
409.
Leith Planning Ltd contributes to the
updating of a leading work “Planning
Law Practice and Precedents” published
by Sweet and Maxwell, co authors Robert
Turrall-Clarke and Stephen Tromans, both
of Counsel.
Leith Planning Ltd contributed to
the updating of the Second Edition
Contaminated Land published by Sweet
and Maxwell, co authors Robert Turrall-
Clarke and Stephen Tromans,
both of Counsel.
Media
Leith Planning Ltd has contributed on numerous occasions on Radio Five Live and
Radio Two in relation to planning debates and topical issues.
Our work and experience has been illustrated and used as an
example in various publications and media events, including:

9. Leith Planning Group Ltd
14 South Clifton Street
Lytham St Annes
Lancashire
FY8 5HN
01253 795548
shan@leithplanning.co.uk
Leith Planning Limited
(Part of the Leith Planning Group)