Planning Solutions Consulting has been providing support and expertise to a range of organisations across Sussex to improve and develop the visitor economy. We work with destinations, attractions, museums, activity and accommodation providers and brands to develop and enhance the visitor economy – sharing our knowledge and expertise to inspire change and growth.

We have worked with a range of clients in Sussex from Chichester District Council through to the South Downs National Park Authority and the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Below we have selected some of the projects we have worked on.

We also work with a network of specialists from landscape architects through to masterplanners and conservation architects.

 Project experience

Tourism on the Manhood Peninsular
Working with Tourism South East we analysed opportunities to develop the tourism product on the Manhood Peninsula. We related the core findings from our work to recommendations for the emerging Local Development Framework to ensure that tourism received a ‘fair hearing’ as part the strategic planning process.

Coastal masterplanning East Beach Selsey
Working with The terra firma consultancy and Marks Barfield Architects, we were commissioned by Chichester District Council to produce a coastal regeneration masterplan for the East Beach area for East Beach in Selsey.

Business planning for the South Downs National Park Authority
We worked with the South Downs National Park Authority to provide professional business planning support to help develop and validate the business plan to secure preferred bidder status in the acquisition of the Seven Sisters Country Park.

Business plan for the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
We worked closely with the Sussex Wildlife Trust to help prepare the business plan for the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre which was used to help secure Lottery funding.

Masterplan Fort Road Recreation Ground in Newhaven
Lewes District Council commissioned landscape architects, The terra firma Consultancy, to produce a masterplan Fort Road Recreation Ground. Planning Solutions Consulting worked closely with The terra firma Consultancy to produce the masterplan with a focus on carrying out a market assessment, consultation and evaluating future opportunities.

Operational Review, Novium Chichester
Post-opening we carried out an assessment of the current operation including the visitor experience, pricing strategy and retail offer. This operational review led to the production of a costed action plan to support the museum and this included a number of transformational projects.  We also carried out a feasibility study to introduce a catering offer within the museum.

Viticulture Feasibility Study
Working with Wealden District Council we carried out a feasibility study to develop a wine tourism offer within the district.

Glamping feasibility study
For a private landowner we carried out an assessment to develop a woodland glamping experience.

What makes us different?

Our sister company Planning Solutions Limited manages a range of tourism and leisure businesses, including:

• Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
• CONKERS Discovery Centre
• The National Brewery Centre (formerly the Bass Museum)
• Cotswold Country Park and Beach)
• High ropes aerial adventures
• A hotel
• Microbrewery

We have a unique understanding of how successful visitor experiences and tourism businesses work. We have found that this practical operational experience helps to create a significant positive impact when working on development projects and brings a strong commercial realism to projects to help ensure projects are financially sustainable.

Our clients have written several testimonialss:

“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 and practical experience of visitor centre management, so the document is well-grounded in reality. We were also then able to submit this with our bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Richard and Kevin were great to work with – very professional, clear and they produced a thorough and robust document for us. They were very personable and always happy to speak on the phone to ensure clarity. They also kept to all their tight deadlines which was very appreciated, considering how many different people were giving detailed feedback on their drafts! I am happy to recommend them to others.” Tor Lawrence, CEO, Sussex Wildlife Trust

“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 and the depth of the detail provided was very impressive. Thank you.”Jane Kilby, Tourism Officer, Community & Regeneration Wealden District Council

Here are some other testimonials from clients.

How can we help?
If have any questions about carrying a project in the tourism sector please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk