We are absolutely delighted to share that after 16 years and over 4,000 development projects, in May 2024 Plainview Planning Ltd joined forces with McLoughlin Planning.

This significant merger unites 13 planning professionals and 3 support staff from both companies, enhancing our capabilities in providing ingenious, commercially-minded solutions to town planning challenges.

McLoughlin Planning Ltd is also a family run business with a shared culture rooted in providing outstanding planning expertise and client care. This collaboration will enrich the service offerings to our clients, providing a broader spectrum of expertise and augmenting personal development opportunities for our team members.

You can learn more about McLoughlin Planning and meet their brilliant team of planning consultants here.

And you can find out more about Plainview Planning's team of expert planning consultants below. They have been providing informed, effective and considered planning support to developers and commercial clients for well over a decade and work on a wide range of projects, all at different stages of the planning process, from new development, certificates of lawfulness, planning appeals and enforcement.

We are passionate about planning and providing our clients with clear, comprehensive and effective planning support. Our team has a breadth of experience and we have worked with over 60% of all Local Planning Authorities across England. We look forward to helping you.

Catherine Hoyte - Planning Director BSc RICS

Catherine has over 20 years of experience in both private planning and surveying consultancies.

A skilled project manager and proven planning strategist, her wide-ranging planning experience includes the commercial, energy, retail and healthcare sectors. Cath is also expert in residential developments in and outside the settlement boundary, planning enforcement, changes of use, conversions and householder development projects.

Prior to joining Plainview in 2013, Catherine held Senior and Associate Director level positions at Montagu Evans, Deloitte Real Estate and Rolfe Judd.

Outside work, Cath can be found embracing the beautiful Cotswolds countryside and running in half marathons. She also makes a delicious banana cake – to the joy of the Plainview team!

Catherine Hoyte's Planning News.

Alexandra Eatough - Planning Director MPlan MRTPI AIEMA

Alex joined Plainview in 2018 bringing over 10 years of experience in planning projects across the retail, commercial and residential sectors.

Her experience includes town centre regeneration, mixed-use developments, change of use, PiP and Prior Approval, student housing and residential developments in rural and urban settings.

A superb negotiator and strategist, Alex’s knowledge, professionalism and experience at consultancies in both London and Manchester, have seen her build strong relationships across the industry.

Alex loves her sport - if she and her family aren’t participating, you can find them avidly watching the cricket and rugby! She is also an advanced Spanish speaker and keen traveller.

Alexandra Eatough’s Planning News.

Sam Eachus - Associate BSc(Hons), MRICS, MBIAC

Sam is our resident expert in rural planning.  With over 7 years experience in the sector, he is well versed in farm diversification, including: glamping, wedding venues, barn conversions, business hubs and farm shops. He also has a nuanced understanding of the issues associated with rural enterprises and has extensive experience advising on the need for rural workers’ dwellings both in the private and public sector.

An exceptional communicator and team player, Sam has made strong connections across the sector. His keen eye for detail coupled with his appreciation of the importance of a planning legacy, results in a holistic approach to planning projects to the benefit of all. 

Outside of work, Sam has a keen passion for cooking and the great outdoors. He can usually be found exploring the countryside and pubs of Wiltshire with his dog, Freddie.

Sam Eachus Planning News.

Marcia Perkins - Planner BA(Hons)

Marcia has been part of our team since 2017. Experienced in urban planning, she also previously worked as a Client Relationship Manager & Business Analyst at Morgan Stanley. She is a holistic problem solver, superb communicator and strategist.

Client projects benefit from her analytical, strategic approach, and meticulous eye for detail. Marcia is an asset to the team.

Based in Essex, with a focus on projects in the South East, Marcia is experienced in change of use, planning applications, annexe accommodation, planning appeals, site appraisals and has worked across the commercial, developer and householder sectors.

Outside of work Marcia is our resident star baker. She also loves the theatre, hiking and running, and has a cache of great restaurant recommendations!

Marcia Perkins’ Planning News.

Caroline Pitt - Business Manager BA(Hons), PGDip, MA, CCFS Sorbonne

Caroline keeps Plainview Planning running smoothly, working to grow our business, improve efficiencies and ensure client satisfaction.

Heading up new business, sales and marketing, Caroline is adept at keeping the plates spinning and since joining Plainview in 2014, she has managed finance, HR, ops and most importantly, keeping our team and clients happy!

With a background in marketing for the built environment, transport, and leisure sectors, Caroline also previously worked in international fine art publishing and is an experienced freelance writer.

Having studied at The Courtauld Institute and lived in Paris, outside work Caroline can be found embracing her love of art history and France! She is also an amateur Opera singer and keen traveller.

Ian Woodward-Court - Founder BSc, MSc

Following a successful planning career in both the UK and Australia, Ian established Plainview Planning in 2007. Founded on the ethos of seeking to de-mystify the planning system by providing clear and effective planning guidance, Ian has built up a strong, dynamic and multi-disciplined team who deliver results and value to all our clients.

Always alert to using new technologies, Ian has developed a range of digitised systems that make planning and mapping data readily available for our planners, seeking to improve efficiencies and de-risk the planning system to the benefit of our clients.

Emily Woodward-Court - Co-Founder BSc

Emily co-founded Plainview back in 2007 and has helped it grow from a small company of 2, to a thriving business with projects across England.

Having previously worked for Google in both Sydney and London, establishing Plainview has seen Emily involved in all aspects of the business over the years; from writing planning statements and managing finance, to recruiting and managing staff.