September 16, 2026

S&L Planning celebrates 10 years of shaping £1 billion of property development projects

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Preston-based S&L Planning Consultants is celebrating its tenth anniversary after advising on over 1,400 planning applications with a combined development value of more than £1 billion across the UK.

Founded in 2016 by planning consultants Deborah Smith and Graham Love, the practice has grown into a highly respected specialist consultancy, helping secure planning approvals and deliver development opportunities for a diverse client base ranging from local property developers, landowners and public sector organisations to national housebuilders and PLCs.

S&L Planning has built a reputation for delivering commercially focused planning advice on residential, commercial, mixed-use and regeneration projects, contributing to significant investment and development across the UK.

Over the past decade, the four-strong consultancy has submitted more than 1,400 planning applications, helping clients navigate complex planning challenges and unlock development opportunities that have delivered new homes, employment space, leisure and education facilities for local communities.

Deborah Smith, director and co-founder of S&L Planning Consultants, said:

“Reaching our tenth anniversary is a fantastic milestone and an opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved since Graham and I established the practice.

“What started as a small consultancy with a clear vision to provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice has grown into a trusted adviser. We are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved.

“Our size has always been one of our strengths. It allows us to provide a highly personal service and remain directly involved in every project, ensuring our clients benefit from experienced advice and responsive support throughout the planning process.”

Graham Love, co-founder of S&L Planning Consultants, added: “Our success has always been built on relationships. We have had the privilege of working with an exceptional range of clients, from local developers bringing forward important projects in their communities to publicly listed companies delivering major development schemes.

“We are particularly grateful to the clients, professional partners and consultants who have trusted us over the last decade. Their support, collaboration and confidence in our advice have been fundamental to our success and have played a major role in helping us reach this milestone.

“Many of the relationships we formed in our early years remain strong today, which we believe reflects the value we place on providing honest advice, building trust and delivering successful outcomes.”

Looking ahead to the next decade, the consultancy aims to continue supporting sustainable growth and development across the UK, helping clients respond to evolving planning policy, changing market demands and increasing environmental expectations.

Deborah Smith concluded: “While we are proud of what we have achieved during our first decade, we are equally excited about the future. The planning landscape continues to evolve, creating both challenges and opportunities for developers.

“We look forward to continuing to support our clients in bringing forward successful development projects and building on the relationships that have been so important to our journey over the last ten years.”

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