Welcome to PPD.

PPD was set up in 2011 to provide focused, innovative and affordable professional planning advice to the development sector and individuals who face planning challenges. From over 30 years experience in the public and private sectors, John Paton (who leads the company) has successfully resolved a wide range of planning issues, and is a chartered town planner and member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. The company has clients in the house-building, offices and warehouses, inner-city commercial, and rural sectors; and works for landowners, developers, contractors, architects, project managers, engineers and private individuals. We offer robust planning advice at rates that acknowledge the present market conditions in Scotland. John also has experience of urban design, listed buildings and conservation areas, and transport work.

The Company has carefully followed changes in Scottish planning legislation, and advises clients of forthcoming modifications.

The “development plan” is central to the planning system in Scotland. If you wish to carry out development, you will inevitably be faced with justifying your proposals against policies and guidance contained in a “Local Development Plan”. In most parts of Scotland these are going through the approval process at present and there are opportunities to influence their content. If you are a landowner for example, you may wish to have land allocated for development. We act for a range of clients in this type of work.

We welcome initial discussions with potential clients at no cost, when we review what you are trying to do and the best course of action to achieve it. We then provide a fee quote when we fully understand your project and are sure that we can assist you.

You can see our comments on recent issues by clicking on the Comments and News items on the right.