Edgars, the Oxfordshire-based planning consultancy, has been named Planning Consultancy of the Year at the prestigious nationwide Planning Awards 2023.
The award, which was given to a company which could most clearly demonstrate how its planning work has helped clients to have a positive impact on the physical environmental, quality of a place or the economic or social well-being of a community, was hotly contested and presented at an awards ceremony held on Thursday 8 June 2023 at IET Savoy Place in London.
Witney-based Edgars was established in 2007 and is run by Jayne Norris and Jon Westerman with a team of 12 planners and three support staff.
The consultancy advises clients across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, London and the south east, north east, north west and Wales.
Its range of projects covers education, new home developments, rural and heritage estate planning and masterplanning, commercial buildings and hospitality and tourism.
Edgars is focused on nurturing the next generation of planners through apprenticeships and supporting their clients with their net zero carbon projects.
The positive impact of Edgars’ work was recognised to have delivered wider societal benefits which encouraged diversity and more inclusive communities, promoted safer and healthier lifestyles, facilitative more sustainable environments and boosted regional economies.
The judges praised the team’s “wide range of planning experience” and said its approach “clearly shows resolution of complex planning challenges and physical, societal, environmental and economic benefits”.
They added: “Edgars’ diverse projects range from heritage interventions to policy development and sustainable transport infrastructure. Highlights include working with Warwick District Council to develop net-zero carbon policies in response to the declared climate emergency; a collaboration with BikeSafe to create a 5km off-road cycling and walking path; and securing planning permission for the Bicester Motion Innovation Quarter, creating new employment space in a conservation area.”
Jayne Norris, Director, Edgars, said: “We are honoured to have won this prestigious award. The range of shortlisted entries demonstrated how exciting and rewarding it is to work in an industry filled with so much talent.
Jon and I are proud of all that Edgars has achieved. This award is a fantastic accolade to our committed, passionate and innovative planning team. It is also thanks to our loyal and long-standing clients who keep us focused on delivering the very best service and their commitment to their investments having positive impacts on their communities. Congratulations to all the finalists, those commended and fellow winners.”
For information on the planning consultancy services at Edgars, get in touch with the team on 01865 731700 or email enquiries@edgarslimited.co.uk.