About Us
Your Ultimate Destination for the Best in Town Planning Services
An independent planning consultancy near Norwich, run by a former Chief Planning Officer
Taking decades of experience and making that work for you
I set up Silverback Planning Solutions in 2024 after more than 20 years in local government planning. I have run planning departments, led enforcement teams and given evidence at inquiries and in the High Court. Before that, I was an Associate Partner in a mixed practice in Oxfordshire, working alongside surveyors and architects.
The practice is deliberately small. When you instruct Silverback, you get me: the same person who advises you at the start is the one who writes your statement, talks to the case officer and, if it comes to it, stands up at the hearing.
Why “Silverback”?
A barrister I worked with gave me the nickname, for refusing to back down when I knew a case was right. The grey hairs may have helped. The name stuck, and it describes the approach: steady, protective of my clients’ interests, and hard to push around.
How I work
- Honest advice first. If a proposal has little chance, I will tell you early and look for one that could succeed.
- The same care at every scale. A home extension gets the same attention as a large development.
- Working with your team. I regularly lead project teams of architects, ecologists, highways engineers and heritage specialists, and I am happy to work with consultants you already use.
- Clear fees. An hourly rate or a fixed fee agreed in writing before work starts. See fees.
Meet the team
Who you want working by your side
Chartered Town Planner
In Charge