From Designs to Developments: Greg Blaquiere's Planning Journey

Greg Blaquiere's Journey in Planning

• 💡 Greg Blaquiere, founder of Eagle Planning and Development, transitioned from a planning officer in London boroughs (Croydon, Kensington and Chelsea) to private sector consultancies (Terence O'Rourke, RPS) before launching his own business.
• 🎯 His company, established a year ago, focuses on planning consultancy while also venturing into development projects and "planning gain."

Public vs. Private Sector Planning

• 🔑 The core goal remains the same: to secure planning permission and facilitate development, whether in the public or private sector.
• ⚖️ Key differences lie in the sources of pressure, with local authorities facing public, applicant, and political demands, while consultants focus on submission and approval.

Collaborating with Architects

• 🤝 Effective collaboration with architects requires clear roles, mutual respect, and understanding that a planner's advice aims to achieve planning permission, not critique design.
• 🚀 Early engagement with a planning consultant, even with initial sketches, is crucial to save time and costs by addressing potential issues related to land use or building height upfront.

First Year as a Business Owner

• 📈 Greg experienced a significant mindset shift from a salaried role to managing the peaks and troughs of self-employment, emphasizing continuous growth and networking.
• 🧩 Eagle Planning handles a diverse range of projects, from large-scale strategic sites (e.g., 1500 homes) to smaller residential plots and enforcement cases, demonstrating a broad specialism in planning.

The Role of AI in Planning

• 🤖 AI presents a huge opportunity to enhance efficiency and accelerate processes in planning, particularly for "box-ticking" tasks like permitted development applications.
• ⚠️ While AI can streamline mundane tasks, Greg stresses the importance of human judgment and due diligence for complex decisions, viewing AI as a "signpost" rather than a complete replacement for expert review.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• 🌱 For those considering starting a business, Greg advises to "go for it" if confident, ensuring financial preparedness for the initial months.
• 🤝 He highlights the importance of networking, speaking to diverse professionals, and consistently following up, as personal connections and trust are vital for success.