"I would have no hesitation in recommending Richard Linington of Planning Solutions Consulting Limited. Richard is professional, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable in his field. He was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, and delivers an excellent...
Client Testimonials
Laura French, Tonbridge Castle, Events and Customer Services Manager
"Working with Richard was a great experience. Our team lacked the internal skills to deliver this project scope, so we appointed Richard at Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd to assess the feasibility of a new café operation at Tonbridge Castle. He provided a fully...
Andrea Russell – Warden at Gladstone’s Library
"Gladstone’s Library was delighted to work with Planning Solutions Consulting to identify and evaluate options to help build the financial resilience of our charity. Thanks to support from the Heritage Fund, the aim of the scoping project was to identify baseline...
Cumbria Connect
"Cumbria Connect commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting to conduct a feasibility study, looking at access improvements and interventions as part of the development phase of a DEFRA funded Landscape Recovery Scheme. Throughout the process, Richard, Kevin and Duncan...
Louise Connolly, Community Asset Transfer Officer
“Richard and the team were commissioned to engage the community and stakeholders in a review of a major sports and outdoor recreation site in the County. Their consultation was comprehensive and the options produced for a future development were realistic and...
Libby Davis, Church Buildings Support Officer, Diocese of Winchester
"Richard and the team at Planning Solutions Consulting carried out a detailed review of one of our churches’ visitor experience offer. They combined thorough research into the church’s current tourism provision with valuable insight into the wider market, then used...
Paul Hazel, Executive Chairman, Cotswold Lakes Trust
"Richard and the team undertook a detailed research project for the Trust concerning the future viability of one of our sites. The process was very straightforward and dealt with all the relevant matters that we required. The detailed report was extremely useful and...
James Dunn, Director – Prosperity & Investment
"Telford & Wrekin Council commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting to undertake a detailed review of our outdoor education centre at Arthog in West Wales. The review was comprehensive and included a survey of schools that use and don’t use the facility, economic...
Matt Freestone, Corporate Property Manager, Peak District National Park Authority
"The Peak District National Park Authority commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting to undertake a review of its Visitor Centre operations in the face of financial challenges in early 2024. Working with staff across the organisation, Planning Solutions Consulting...
Stephanie Costello, Visitor Destination and Engagement Manager
"We appointed Planning Solutions Consulting to review and develop an options appraisal for our Grade II listed, Tramway. This report has been delivered to a very high standard, with lots of thought and ambition for the Tramway to strive too. From start to finish the...
Rachel Morton, Resilient Communities Coordinator, Reach
"The Reach Team engaged Planning Solutions Consulting on a feasibility study for one of our major parks. The core of the study was a survey on priorities of the local community and a thorough evaluation of the available options. The resulting study was clear and...
Damian James, Outdoor Activity Service Manager
“PSC carried out a feasibility study on behalf of Gower Activity Centres and have set out clear recommendations and mechanisms for developing and taking the organisation forward. They perfectly met the brief which was set for them and provided constant and clear...
Julia Phillips, RSPB Project Manager
"PSCL were selected as a consultant to complete a high-level review, of development plans for a new Welcome Building and projected visitor numbers, at RSPB St Aidan’s. Despite it being a relatively small piece of work in a short time frame, the team committed...
Gary Treacy, National Investment Plan Team, Historic Environment Scotland
Blackness Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan "Working with Falkirk Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the local Blackness community, Planning Solutions Consulting were appointed to initiate, develop and deliver a Strategic Tourism Infrastructure...
National Trust Cymru
“Planning Solutions Consulting (PSC) were commissioned by National Trust Cymru to support the Sustainable Freshwater West project funded by the Community Renewal Fund. Acting as independent consultants PSC undertook an in-depth stakeholder consultation including...
Karleigh Davies, Tourism Manager, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
“Planning Solutions Consulting (PSC) was commissioned by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to support a Round Two Levelling Up Fund application. Working to a tight project timetable and collaborating with other consultants PSC prepared a Heritage Destination...
Lesley Edwards, General Manager, Llancaiach Fawr Manor
"The Planning Solution Consulting Team delivered a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the opportunity of introducing low impact and appropriate visitor accommodation within the grounds of Llancaiach Fawr Manor. From the initial consultation meeting through to...
Rob Smith, Place Development and Investment Senior Project Officer (West), Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
“Planning Solutions Consulting produced a feasibility study for the Redcar Coastal Activity Hub. They delivered a high-quality study within the agreed deadlines. PSC were professional throughout the commission, and we would not hesitate to use them again in the...
Kevin Boorman, Marketing & Major Projects Manager, Hastings Borough Council
"We were very pleased with the work Planning Solutions Consulting in conjunction with Rubicon Regeneration carried out for us on Hastings Castle. The Local Government Association funded the work, an initial assessment of the work needed to undertake a c£6m major...
Hannah Thompson, Tourism & Heritage Officer, Blaby District Council
"In 2021 PSC undertook a Boat Trip and Water Taxi Feasibility Study on behalf of Blaby District Council, with the purpose of understanding the potential for a water based experience on the canal. Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic the study was conducted...
John Little, For and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Cambridge Museum of Technology
"During 2021, PSC undertook an assignment for Cambridge Museum of Technology, funded by a grant from Architectural Heritage Fund. The assignment looked at business and income opportunities generally in the wake of the recent pandemic and its economic consequences, but...
Judith Adams, Chair, Epping Forest Heritage Trust
“In 2019, the newly formed Epping Forest Heritage Trust received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable us as an organization to ‘Raise our Game’ in terms of management and governance and in respect of our operations, following the merger of two...
James Harman, Project Manager, Severn Trent
“PSCL were recently selected as a consultant to complete a master planning and visitor attraction development research project at one of our primary visitor sites. This piece of work has been a massive success and the information gathered is helping to shape the site...
Norma Forrest, Marketing & Communications, Waterways Ireland
“PSCL carried out a contract for Waterways Ireland to look at the market potential and sustainable options to restore and develop a waterside site in Clones. I found PSCL to be very competent on this project. Their execution, tone and commitment were faultless. Their...
Dr Kathy Talbot, Trustee, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
"Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd was selected to carry out an Options Appraisal on the future of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. The scope of the work included the Museum's future governance, strategic future and location. We found Richard Linington and Kevin Brown...
Paula Harbridge, Tourism Manager, Thanet District Council
"We recently commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting to revisit the Ramsgate Beach Club Feasibility Study that they developed for Thanet District Council in 2015. Due to the length of time since the first report we needed to refresh and review the study in the...
Dympna Condra, Tourism & Economic Development Officer, Monaghan County Council
Project: Tourism Action Plan "Planning Solutions Consulting was appointed to develop a tourism action plan for a rural location in north county Monaghan. Despite the challenges posed by Covid 19 restrictions and the impact this had on site visits, consultations etc,...
Kerry Vicker, Project Officer, Prosperity and Development, Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC
Project: Rhondda Tunnel Visitor Attraction Business Case and Penetration Rate Analysis "The approach to the business case was thorough, well-researched and considered, resulting in a well-executed document. PSC were responsive to client needs and queries, keeping to...
Alex Holmes, Visitor Economy Manager, Warwickshire County Council
Project: George Eliot Visitor Centre Business Plan "We commissioned PSC to support our client team comprising County Council officers, and volunteers from the George Eliot Fellowship, and Griff House Preservation Trust, to develop a viable business plan for a new...
Mark Hopgood, Senior Place Development and Investment Project Lead, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Project: Soft market testing for the redevelopment of the Regent Cinema in Redcar "We commissioned PSC to undertake a soft market testing exercise for the Council’s redevelopment of the Regent Cinema in Redcar. PSC were very proactive throughout the process and kept...
Tor Lawrence, CEO, Sussex Wildlife Trust
“PSC supported us to create a business plan for a new visitor centre at Rye Harbour. This built on work we had carried out, but ensured a well-researched and more thorough approach than we had capacity or experience to deliver ourselves. Kevin and Richard bring direct...
Karleigh Davies, Destination Management and Marketing Manager, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
“Planning Solutions Consulting carried out master planning exercise for the proposed future development of Cefn Coed Colliery, a heritage attraction located in the Dulais Valley, South Wales. From start to finish we were impressed with the knowledge, experience and...
Lynne Richards, Destination Development Manager, Newport City Council
Project: Gwent Levels Visitor Accommodation Study “I was extremely pleased with professionalism and thoroughness of the work done by Planning Solutions Consulting. The brief was a difficult one dealing with environmental constraints and stakeholder sensitivities. Even...
Morrigan Mason, Museums Development Manager, Carmarthenshire County Council
“Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd were our preferred supplier following a highly competitive procurement process and demonstrated an edge in their knowledge, experience and insights throughout the whole consultation. The combination of operational and business...
Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural, Leisure, Tourism and Registration Services Pembrokeshire County Council
"Pembrokeshire County Council, in conjunction with a partnership of public, private and third sector organisations, procured PSC to develop a robust feasibility study assessing the potential of Haverfordwest Castle to become a flagship heritage attraction. This was a...
Chris Buggy, Countryside Projects Manager, Wokingham Borough Council
“PSC have worked with us on two projects. Firstly a project to analyse and advise on future management options for our Countryside Service and secondly a project to detail business opportunities within our Country Parks portfolio. Richard and Kevin provided a personal...
Maureen Page, Director, Butser Ancient Farm
"PSC have worked with us to develop a feasibility report for the proposed future development of the farm site. The document that has been produced is detailed and well-researched. It is now forming a major part of our planning for some exciting changes. The report has...
Gillian Bishop CEO Link4Life
"Planning Solutions Consulting worked with us to explore the art of the possible a create a Vision for Hollingworth Lake Country Park with recommendations on how the vision could transformed Hollingworth Lake Country Park into a destination, together with cost and...
David Chalmers MRICS, Central England Forest District, Forestry Commission
"PSC worked with the Forestry Commission to evaluate potential uses within one of our popular forest recreation sites in England. The objective was to set out the strategic development direction in terms of leisure and other uses which could be complementary to the...
Kerry Bailey, Country Parks Group Manager, Hampshire County Council
Project: Feasibility Study Manydown Country Park "Planning Solutions Consulting worked with us to develop a feasibility report for the proposed Manydown Country Park, in Basingstoke. The findings from this report are included in the Landscape Strategy, a key document...
Richard Hart: Business Transformation Manager, Heritage & Environment Services, Warwickshire County Council
Project: Impact Assessment of Large Infrastructure Proposal for Country Parks "Warwickshire County Council commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting Limited (PSC) to provide an Impact Assessment with mitigation options in response to a large scale infrastructure...
Angela Taylor, Corporate Project Manager, Countryside and Trees
Project: Review of Visitor Facilities and Commercial Opportunities "Appointed in July 2015 Planning Solutions Consulting has provided an excellent service, working closely with staff and Councillors to evaluate and identify opportunities for our Country Park with a...
Kim Owens, Senior Fundraising Officer Central Bedfordshire Council
Project: Heritage Lottery Fund Business Planning, Houghton Hall Park “Planning Solutions were commissioned to develop a Business Plan to assess viability and recommend an approach for a commercially viable Visitor Centre at Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis. The...
Donna Hughes
"Cadwyn Clwyd – in conjunction with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB – procured PSC to develop a feasibility study to turn a disused landfill site on the outskirts of Llangollen into a nature inspired learning and discovery centre. The study provided an...
Jane Kilby, Tourism Officer, Wealden District Council
Viticulture Feasibility Study "On behalf of Wealden District Council, we would like to thank Planning Solutions Consulting for all the hard work they put into the Viticulture Feasibility Study. Your approach to the project was always very professional and courteous...
Paul Jones, External Funding Programme Officer, City and County of Swansea Council
Project: Rural Swansea Resource / Visitor Centre Feasibility Study "PSCL carried out the review and work associated with the project which has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by...
Stephanie Rogers, Programme Manager, Country Parks Transformation, Hampshire County Council
Project: Country Parks Transformation "Planning Solutions Consulting worked with us to evaluate the market for Hampshire County Council’s country parks and produce recommendations on how these could be transformed, together with cost and income analysis and...
Paul Hare, Assets Manager High Peak Borough Council/Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Project: Operational Review, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton “Planning Solutions Consulting offered a responsive service in the review of Pavilion Gardens, bringing to the project a large range of experience in the visitor attraction marketplace. They advised on current...
Gary Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Forest Holidays
"Forest Holidays has been working with Planning Solutions Consulting Limited for over a decade. Working closely with our senior management team they have been providing expert market reviews and carrying out site assessments across the UK. They have also been...
Carolyn Tobin, Regeneration Programmes Manager/ Rheolwr Rhaglenni Adfwyiad, Merthyr Tydfil CBC
“Merthyr Tydfil CBC appointed Planning Solutions Consulting in 2012 to carry out an external evaluation (in partnership with Wavehill Consulting) and produce a business plan along with a marketing and resources plan to inform the future development of Parc Taf...
Andy Golightly, Hartlepool Borough Council
"The Hartlepool STEM feasibility study has provided a robust foundation and direction of travel to develop the project. We were delighted with the hands-on approach and commitment of the team to deliver a quality feasibility study and business plan. We would have no...
Roz Owen, Recreation and Access Manager, Natural Resources Wales
“Planning Solutions Consulting Limited were contracted by Natural Resources Wales to undertake a short exercise examining the potential, opportunities and risks around running visitor centres. We found Planning Solutions Consulting to be efficient and thorough,...
Dewi Davies, Regional Strategy Director Tourism Partnership North Wales
Project: North Wales Outdoor Sector Vision and Action Plan "The team was commissioned by Tourism Partnership North Wales to prepare a new Vision and Action Plan for the outdoor sector in North Wales. North Wales is internationally recognised as providing excellent...
David Ames, Head of Heritage and Strategic Planning, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation
"We have been pleased to work with Planning Solutions as part of the review of our family farm attraction, known as Standalone Farm. We found their advice valuable and relevant, particularly as they are able to point to practical examples from the facilities that...
Christopher Bibb, Project Manager, Lewes District Council.
“PSCL were appointed to lead the business planning process for a new 30 acre innovative park in Peacehaven, East Sussex, known as The Big Parks Project. The project involves the creation of a new park on 30 acres of land given by Southern Water along with improvements...
Nicola Sumner-Smith, Senior Rural Regeneration Officer, Planning and Transportation Services, Vale of Glamorgan Council
“Planning Solutions worked with us to evaluate our Perfect Pitch camping campaign to develop new campsites in the Vale of Glamorgan. The brief was diverse as was the range of stakeholders who needed to be consulted; PS took the time to get to know our objectives and...
Matthew Lewis, Head of Countryside, Monmouthshire County Council.
“We selected Planning Solutions Consulting from a very competitive field to prepare audience development and visitor management plans and an interpretation plan for Caldicot Castle and Country Park. We were drawn to their mix of consultancy and operational experience....
Natalie Watson, Community Heritage and Museum Development Officer, Somerset County Council.
Project – Income Generation and Action Planning. “Planning Solutions has provided Somerset County Council and the Museums in Somerset group with an excellent service, working with a large range of museums and partners. They engaged with our stakeholders well, created...
Andy Smith Head of Countryside, Hampshire County Council
Project – Basingstoke Canal – Visitor Research, Vision and Action Plan. “Surrey and Hampshire County Councils jointly commissioned Planning Solutions Consulting Limited to develop a Vision for the future of the Basingstoke Canal. The Canal is a 30mile navigable...
Zara Bligh, Research & Marketing Co-ordinator adventa.
Project – Feasibility Study for Interpretation and Visitor Centre. “Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd recently undertook a Feasibility Study for adventa, which delivers RDP funded projects for Monmouthshire County Council. We have been extremely impressed with the...
Mark Spreckley & Dave Potts Directors, Breathe Barbury CIC
“Planning Solutions Consulting Ltd worked with Breathe Barbury CIC to assess the feasibility of developing and operating a multi-purpose Visitor Centre on the Ridgeway National Trail within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From the initial...
Private landowner
Project: Market demand assessment for woodland camping "I engaged Planning Solutions Consulting Limited to undertake a market demand assessment to support a planning application for a woodland campsite. In short, I shall not be looking for any other competitor to PSCL...





















































