Our Team

Since 2008, our planning consultants have delivered honest, informed advice to clients across England. We guide projects through every stage of the planning process, from appraisals and applications to appeals and enforcement. Trusted by homeowners, landowners, farmers and independent businesses, our team combines expertise with a commercially focused approach, helping you unlock potential and achieve successful planning outcomes.

We handle a wide range of projects at various stages of the planning process, including development appraisals, pre-application submissions, prior approvals, planning applications, appeals, enforcement, certificates of lawfulness, Permission in Principle (PiP), and more.

We are passionate about planning and dedicated to offering our clients clear, comprehensive, and practical support. You can learn more about our planning consultants below.

Nathan McLoughlin

BSc (Hons) DipTP MRTPI

Managing Director

Nathan McLoughlin

BSc (Hons) DipTP MRTPI

Managing Director


Nathan is the Managing Director of Plainview Planning Ltd. and the founder and Managing Director of McLoughlin Planning Ltd. He has over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He oversees a diverse range of development projects and provides planning leadership for the company.

He has successfully promoted various greenfield and Green Belt housing sites through Local Plans for landowners and developers, assembling project teams and presenting evidence at Local Plan Examinations.

Nathan collaborates with national, regional, and local housebuilders on planning and reserve matters applications for both open market and affordable housing, capitalising on housing land supply challenges to unlock development potential.

In the education sector, he has secured planning permissions for new schools and guided the redevelopment of existing sites, offering strategic advice on site selection to assist Education Authorities. Additionally, Nathan works on rural projects, from farm diversification to new country houses, acting as a trusted advisor to estates and farms.

He also supports international and regional airports on specialised planning matters.

Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and clay pigeon shooting and aims to improve his golf handicap.

Jenny McLoughlin

BSc (Hons) BFP FCA

Co-Managing Director

Jenny McLoughlin

BSc (Hons) BFP FCA

Co-Managing Director


Jenny trained as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG before moving into Management Accounting roles for various industry sectors, including several years working for Giffords Circus.

Her roles encompassed responsibilities for HR, payroll, budgeting, cashflow forecasting, debt management, and VAT, all skills she brought to McLoughlin Planning.

Jenny has expanded her role into Business Development and Marketing. She now leads on these areas and ensures we maintain excellent customer service.

Jenny enjoys long-distance running, road cycling, swimming, hillwalking, trying to play golf, paddle boarding, camping, and going to hot places on holiday. She is the treasurer of Constructing Excellence Gloucestershire and has recently completed her MBA.

Chris Moore

BSc (Hons) MSc MRTPI

Planning Director

Chris Moore

BSc (Hons) MSc MRTPI

Planning Director


Chris is a solutions-oriented planning consultant with over ten years of experience in the planning industry. He has worked on development projects across England, particularly in the South East, Essex, and London, giving him detailed knowledge of local requirements and constraints that inform individual planning strategies.

Chris began his career as a Transport Planner at Oxfordshire County Council before transitioning to the private sector. His areas of expertise include residential, commercial, tourism, and urban planning. He is particularly experienced in planning enforcement, lawful development certificates, conservation and listed building consents, Paragraph 84 houses, PiP, prior approval, changes of use and planning appeals.

Eager to contribute to the planning community, Chris is actively involved with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), organises local professional education and social events, and regularly gives talks at the University of Gloucestershire and various business events to promote the profession.

Caroline Pitt

BA(Hons), PGDip, MA, CCFS Sorbonne

Director of Business Development

Caroline Pitt

BA(Hons), PGDip, MA, CCFS Sorbonne

Director of Business Development


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. Since joining Plainview in 2014, she has managed finance, HR, ops, and, most importantly, kept our team and clients happy!

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

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

Joe Seymour

BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI

Technical Director

Joe Seymour

BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI

Technical Director


Joe has an extensive background in the planning industry with ten years of local authority development management experience before joining the team in 2019. He has worked on various developments, including small, medium, and large-scale residential, commercial, leisure, retail, equestrian, and agricultural projects.

Joe also undertakes work as a Planning Inspector on a contract basis, which provides us with a unique insight into the planning appeal process.

He is particularly interested in development management, listed buildings/historic environment, and Green Belt sites.

In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing golf, spending time with family, going on European city breaks, and watching live sports (either in the stadium or in the pub!).

Marcia Perkins

BA(Hons)

Planner

Marcia Perkins

BA(Hons)

Planner


Marcia has been part of our team since 2017. Experienced in urban planning, she has also 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 Marcia’s analytical, strategic approach and meticulous eye for detail. She is an asset to the team.

Based in Essex, focusing on projects in the South East and London, Marcia is experienced in change of use, planning applications, annexe accommodation, planning appeals, and site appraisals. She 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!

Joe Dunn

MSc BA (Hons) MRTPI

Senior Planner

Joe Dunn

MSc BA (Hons) MRTPI

Senior Planner


Joe is a Chartered Town Planner with experience across residential, commercial and tourism development projects throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Having worked in the private sector for several years, he has developed a strong understanding of the planning system and has successfully guided a wide range of projects through the planning process.

His areas of expertise include planning applications, planning appeals, lawful development certificates, planning enforcement matters and Section 73 applications. Joe has secured planning permission for developments in Green Belt locations, obtained approvals for works within the grounds of listed buildings, and successfully resolved complex enforcement cases. He also has experience delivering planning strategies for homeowners, private clients and residential developers.

Joe graduated from Edge Hill University with a degree in Geography before completing a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Birmingham. In 2026, he achieved Chartered Town Planner status through the RTPI following the successful completion of his Assessment of Professional Competence.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys keeping active in the gym, escaping on sunny holidays and attending as many live music concerts as possible.

Chris Buckland

BSc Hons

Planner

Chris Buckland

BSc Hons

Planner


Chris completed his degree in Urban Planning and Development at Cardiff University, and began his career as a Planning Consultant at a private rural planning company. Since then, he has gained experience across a range of rural and urban planning projects, including securing planning permission for agricultural buildings, barn conversions, rural worker dwellings, residential developments, householder applications and changes of use.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys travelling abroad, camping and walks in the countryside. He enjoys racket sports, plays the piano and is an excellent artist, his preferred medium being watercolours.

Elle Jones

BA (Hons) MA

Business Development Assistant

Elle Jones

BA (Hons) MA

Business Development Assistant


Elle graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Marketing, Advertising, and Branding from the University of Gloucestershire. Her extensive experience in managing her own business, along with her roles in events, marketing, design, and various positions in the public sector, has equipped Elle with valuable transferable skills suitable for her role as a Business Development Assistant at McLoughlin Planning, where she also contributes to the marketing and design efforts.

Elle has also recently achieved a high Merit in her Graphic Design Master’s degree at Falmouth University.

Out of the office, Elle loves sewing, graphic design, country walks, running, yoga, reading, and illustrating.

Harriet Fleming

BA Hons

Account Manager

Harriet Fleming

BA Hons

Account Manager


Harriet is Plainview’s Account Manager and plays a key role in supporting both the team and our clients. She holds a First Class Honours degree in International Business Management from Southampton Solent University and brings a strong background in business operations and client relations.

Prior to joining Plainview, Harriet worked as a Merchandiser within busy retail head offices in London and the Cotswolds, developing valuable analytical, organisational and budget management skills. In her role, Harriet is a key point of contact for clients and oversees a range of administrative functions, ensuring records are maintained accurately and processes run smoothly.

Outside of work, Harriet enjoys spending time outdoors with her young family, keeping active, and socialising with friends and family.

In 2024, after 16 years and over 4,000 development projects, we joined forces with McLoughlin Planning.

This significant merger united 13 planning professionals and three 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 continues to enrich our service offerings to our clients, providing a broader spectrum of expertise and augmenting personal development opportunities for our team members.

If your enquiry relates to larger development sites of 10 units or more, strategic land, aviation, etc., feel free to contact the team at McLoughlin Planning, who will be delighted to assist you. You can find out more about their superb team of planning consultants here

In the meantime, we look forward to helping you.

Some of our clients

Below are some of the commercial clients and organisations we work with. You can view all our recent projects or read our latest news and updates.

I have to say, from day one, I knew you would be instrumental to the whole venture succeeding - and I wasn't wrong. You have dealt with it all with gold standard professionalism, and I cannot thank you enough.

Mrs Young, East Yorkshire

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We received great initial advice and communication on a planning issue that could have gone either way. Whilst being honest and realistic of our chances, together we agreed a strategy for appealing the decision which eventually resulted in an appeal to the Secretary of State. I am pleased to say that we have now finally achieved approval and could not have done it without their advice and professionalism. We would recommend Plainview Planning without hesitation.

Mr & Mrs Boyce, Essex

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I would not hesitate to recommend Plainview Planning. The worry was taken away from me, and I felt confident that my change of use application was all being dealt with in a professional manner.

Mrs Powis-Jones, Gloucestershire

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I would just like to thank you all for your support and help – I don’t think we would have won this appeal without your inputs

Mr Oppenheimer, Sussex

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The Plainview Planning team have been fundamental in our retrospective planning permission application. They put together an application pack that was so thorough we received no further questions from the planning department, and the process was swift and painless. This is testament to Plainview Planning's understanding of the complexities of the planning process. I am deeply appreciative of their time and effort in bringing this to a successful conclusion.

Dr Bradbury, Essex

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Thank you for making our dream come true! For almost 35 years, my wife and I had been trying to obtain planning permission to build our family home. After numerous refusals, we almost gave up hope but were recommended Plainview Planning. It was an absolute pleasure working with the team, who were professional, knowledgeable and effective throughout the process. I would highly recommend Plainview Planning to anyone who needs expert planning advice and guidance.

Mr Tann, Essex

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Faced with a sudden requirement to obtain “Certificates of Lawful Use”, I chanced upon Plainview Planning. A short time later I had a “face to face” meeting to establish an initial rapport and left with a warm feeling of confidence. The project was brought to fruition on time, under budget, and in a most efficacious manner. Communication was first class. Friendly and supportive. Plainview Planning demonstrated professionalism, understanding and commitment to achieve a positive result.

Mr Guignard, London

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I cannot recommend the Planview Planning team enough. They have supported us through the highs and lows of the process with compassion and professionalism. They are incredibly knowledgeable and have insights into the local area and process, are consummate professionals and above all are genuinely good, nice people. If you are reading this and need support / advice do not look any further. Thank you all for everything.

Mrs. Seymour, Essex

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I was recommended to contact Plainview Planning by my architect. I was very pleased with the professional service I received. They were efficient, timely, listened to my feedback and answered my questions. I was delighted with the outcome, and my appeal was successful.

Mrs Thomas, Kent

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Thank you for what was an outstanding level of professionalism and service that we received in our recent planning application. Without your knowledge and efforts against what was an extremely difficult planning authority, we would not have been successful in our application from annexe to annexe/holiday let. The planning consent granted was a hard-fought battle that you and the team helped us survive. There is absolutely no hesitation in recommending Plainview Planning to anyone.

Mr Griffiths, Essex

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Thank you very much. I appreciate your responsive and professional service.

Farooq Azami, London

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Plainview Planning are a professional team: they listen to what is being asked of them, then discuss and advise the route to take. They communicate in a timely fashion and there was never need for me to contact or chase them.

Mrs Taylor, Hampshire

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Last year there were four applications to Horsham Planning Department. Each one was specific and required attention to detail to secure planning approval. I was very pleased when each application was 'approved' without too much discussion. This was achieved through the dedicated work of your Plainview Planning Experts, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and determination. I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to my friends and family.

Mr Hallworth, Sussex

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On behalf of PKL Group and our client, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team at Plainview Planning for undertaking such a sterling job in obtaining planning permission on what has been an incredibly complex and sensitive project. We would have absolutely no hesitation in returning to Plainview Planning for future outsourced planning support and I would equally have no hesitation in recommending their service to others.

PKL Group Ltd, Cheshire

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Plainview Planning made a realistic appraisal of a very complicated planning history of our annex. From the outset, our consultant clearly had good knowledge and skills to prepare the planning statement. Realistic but supportive throughout and made a stressful application easier for us. Successful outcome very much due to our consultant.

Mr & Mrs Cooper, East Sussex

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Just a few brief words to thank you for your much-needed contribution towards our recent planning approval. We had some stiff opposition. Nevertheless, you held us by the hand step by step - and you were proved right. I believe that by having Plainview Planning produce a planning statement, this was fundamental to our success - so well done. Best wishes to all the Plainview team.

Mr Morgan, London

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Thanks for the great service and support, you made the whole process very straightforward.

Mr Barrett, Essex

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Thank you very much for your work on our application and it proves it again that it's worth hiring professionals, like you, to do the job.

Mr Sestokas, Essex

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We can't thank the team at Plainview Planning enough for our recent planning approval. Getting the certificate of lawfulness has been a lengthy process and they have supported us every step of the way. The difference having this planning permission in place has made to our lives is huge. Great work from a great team!

Mr Cree, Greater Manchester

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Thank you for your hard work and dealing with my questions. The service provided has been great, onwards and upwards now for the next premises.

South Downs Fitness, West Sussex

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