Winner: Highlight Planning
Highlight Planning is an independent consultancy providing clear, practical advice to developers, landowners, and businesses across Wales and the UK. They simplify planning complexities, ensuring clients and stakeholders can engage in the process with confidence. With a problem-solving approach, they focus on achieving consensus whilst maximising benefits for people and places and always aim to achieve the best outcomes. Whether working on housing, commercial projects, or renewable energy, Highlight Planning combines knowledge and experience to navigate challenges effectively, helping clients unlock opportunities while ensuring developments align with planning policies and community needs.
The judges said "Highlight Planning demonstrates excellence across all criteria, leading sensitive projects like Llancarfan School with exceptional community engagement and transparency. Their innovative, mindset-shifting approaches to planning challenges are well-evidenced, as is their strong client satisfaction. They prioritize inclusive, jargon-free communication and offer pro bono support to groups/ charities unable to access planning support. Their commitment to climate-conscious development is clear through multiple project examples. With a strong professional ethos and community focus, Highlight sets a high standard for planning consultancy practice and thoroughly deserves this award"
Winner Joe Ayoubkhani (centre) with RTPI Cymru Director Mark Hand and RTPI Cymru Chair Aneurin Mon Parry (credit: Chloe Michelle Photography)