Sam delivers practical solutions to his clients, balancing competing demands between the need for development and its impact upon the environment.

With a wealth of project experience in Essex, Suffolk and outer-London, Sam works on residential, commercial, mixed-use developments and greenbelt sites. He recognises the rising demand for sustainable and innovative developments to take centre stage within the property industry, catering his advice to ensure his clients' developments lead the way.

Using his experience as a town planner, Sam leads the preparation and negotiation of major planning applications, the promotion of sites through the development plan process and advises his clients on planning strategy.

He thrives off the people-based nature of the sector, delivering local outcomes that benefit local communities, but also enjoys a constructive working relationship with local planning authorities across the region.

Involved in almost every aspect of planning as a profession, Sam is a Chartered Member of the RTPI and a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. More recently, he has been sitting on the Regional Activities Committee for the RTPI East of England.

Awards:

RTPI Planning Awards 2019 

Experience

01

Planning

Develop winning planning strategies that deliver successful projects
02

Planning Consultancy

Comprehensive planning strategy and submission advice - tailored to your site and your objectives.

Our insights

Image of Housing by pond Reports & Briefings 06.03.24

It’s essential for anyone that has land with potential for development to keep apprised of the opportunities arising from emerging local development plans.

Rural Outlook 2024 - Local Plan Watch

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Eddington_200421 38 Blog 21.07.21

A revised National Planning Policy Framework was published yesterday with the aim of putting ‘beauty’ at the heart of the English planning system. It was accompanied by the launch of a new National Model Design Code and ‘Office for Place’ within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. These changes follow the new National Design Guide introduced in January. Sam Metson explains what the revised NPPF means for planners, developers and promoters.

A more beautiful National Planning Policy Framework?

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Local Plan Watch Autumn 2020 Essex Briefing 23.09.20

Emerging local plans are now at an advanced stage across the majority of Essex, with a few notable exceptions. However, many of the draft plans are being examined against the requirements of the 2012 NPPF and will require early review to address the current standard housing need methodology, or its replacement if confirmed by the Government. This will provide widespread opportunity across the county. The proposed changes to the Government’s standard methodology would increase development requirements across the majority of Essex, with particularly significant increases in Chelmsford, Maldon, Colchester and Uttlesford, as shown on our annotated map.

Essex Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2020

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Image of essex autumn Insights 01.11.23

Essex Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2023

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Image of essex spring Insights 16.04.24

There are good opportunities available across Essex, with new Local Plans at the early stages of review across the north and centre of the county and immediate opportunities available in some areas elsewhere.

Essex Local Plan Watch - Spring 2024

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Local Plan Watch Spring 2020 Essex Briefing 16.04.20

Our Planning team constantly monitor the activities of local planning authorities in Essex to identify opportunities for clients. March's update provides an insight to latest local plans coming forward across the region.

Essex Local Plan Watch - Spring 2020

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LPW Essex square Reports & Briefings 06.10.22

Essex Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2022

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Image of essex spring Insights 17.05.23

Essex Local Plan Watch - Spring 2023

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CSP
Project

Thorpe le Soken housing development

A high-quality development to address the shortfall of housing in East Essex, our strategic planning advice was required to achieve consent and promote the land through a local plan

Image of Thorpe le soken
Project

NHS Redbridge

This project successfully petitioned for unused Green Belt land to be repurposed to provide valuable housing in the Redbridge area

Image of Redbridge 6
Project

City Park West, Chelmsford

The site of the former Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, this project was a rare opportunity to repurpose a brownfield site in a prominent location. Close to the railway station, park and central facilities of Chelmsford, the site would create a new gateway to the city.

City Park West 1
Project

Hartsbourne Country Club

The extensive restoration of Hartsbourne Country Club, with the addition of several contemporary buildings to suit the needs of the club’s members and the local community.

hartsbourne-cc-bidwells

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