Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Planning & Architecture Consultancy Lincolnshire
Established in 1984, Robert Doughty Consultancy has consistently delivered expert Town Planning, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture services across Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands. Our multidisciplinary team combines technical expertise with creative vision to support clients through every stage of their projects. With decades of experience in residential, commercial, leisure, and renewable energy developments, we prioritise sustainable solutions that align with client goals. Our chartered professionals are committed to excellence in Biodiversity Net Gain, heritage conservation, and urban regeneration. Headquartered in Helpringham, our practice remains deeply rooted in local needs while embracing national and international best practices.Through collaboration across disciplines, we ensure projects achieve planning approval and reach their fullest potential. Our track record includes complex conversions, large-scale residential schemes, and infrastructure projects that harmonise with their environments. Continuous professional development ensures our team maintains cutting-edge knowledge of planning policies and design innovations. Client partnerships built on transparency and technical authority underpin our reputation for reliable, results-focused consultancy.
Services
Town Planning
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Biodiversity Net Gain
Heritage Conservation
Renewable Energy Projects
Residential Development
Commercial Schemes
Development Approvals
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of multidisciplinary experience in planning and design
- Our integrated team delivers coordinated solutions across architecture, planning and landscape disciplines
- Specialists in Biodiversity Net Gain provisions and heritage conservation schemes
- Deep local knowledge covering Lincolnshire, Rutland and East Midlands developments
- Chartered professionals maintain current expertise in evolving planning regulations
Associations and certifications
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Landscape Institute (LI)
- Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Services
Town Planning
Our chartered planners navigate complex approval processes for residential, commercial, and renewable energy projects. We specialise in securing planning permissions through strategic consultation and evidence-based submissions. With expertise in local plan representations and public engagement, we ensure developments meet regulatory requirements while maximising value for clients across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
Architecture
Delivering tailored architectural solutions from feasibility studies to technical resolution, our RIBA-registered team handles projects of all scales. Expertise spans residential, commercial, educational, and conservation projects, including listed building conversions. We combine creative vision with practical knowledge of building regulations to transform client concepts into buildable, sustainable designs.
Landscape Architecture
Creating harmonious environments through comprehensive landscape assessments and detailed design. Our services cover Biodiversity Net Gain provisions, hard and soft landscaping, and visual impact assessments. With masterplanning experience for residential and leisure developments, we ensure schemes integrate sensitively with their natural surroundings while meeting functional requirements.
Heritage Conservation
Specialist team for listed building consent and conservation area projects, including Victorian mill conversions. We balance heritage preservation with modern functionality, preparing detailed applications that satisfy planning authorities. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while enabling sustainable reuse of historically significant structures across Lincolnshire.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Integrating mandatory BNG requirements into development schemes through early-stage habitat assessments and mitigation strategies. Our landscape architects design enhancements that exceed regulatory standards while adding long-term value. We provide technical documentation for planning applications, ensuring compliance with current environmental legislation across residential and commercial projects.
People
Robert Doughty
Managing Director
Chartered Town Planner with extensive strategic project experience since founding the consultancy in 1984. Leads multidisciplinary teams specialising in residential, tourism and commercial developments across the East Midlands. Former president of local planning institute.
Lewis Smith
Town Planning Director
MRTPI member leading planning applications for residential, listed building, and renewable energy projects. Joined RDC in 2002, specialising in complex consents and local plan policy advice for public and private sector clients across Lincolnshire.
Graham Prior
Principal Landscape Architect
CMLI accredited specialist responsible for landscape assessments and detailed design on major projects. Oversees Biodiversity Net Gain provisions and infrastructure schemes. Provides technical leadership to landscape team with 25+ years experience in environmental planning.
Paul Skepper
Principal Architect
ARB-registered architect leading design office team with expertise in residential and commercial sectors. Handles full project lifecycle from concept to completion. Chartered member with specialist knowledge of ecclesiastical and heritage building adaptations.
Elizabeth Curley
Company Secretary
MBA holder overseeing HR and financial departments since 2005. Key member of management team responsible for consultancy operations and governance compliance. Ensures administrative systems support project delivery across multiple office locations.
Questions
What services does RDC offer?
We provide integrated Town Planning, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture services for residential, commercial, and renewable energy projects across the East Midlands.
Which regions do you cover?
Primarily Lincolnshire, with additional expertise in Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, and wider East Midlands developments.
How experienced is your team?
Combined team experience exceeds 200 years, with professionals chartered by RTPI, LI, and ARB. Founded in 1984, we maintain industry-leading expertise in planning regulations and design.
Do you specialise in conservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Listed Building Consent and heritage schemes, including Victorian mill conversions and ecclesiastical buildings.
Can you handle large-scale residential developments?
Our track record includes outline planning approvals for 120+ new homes and associated infrastructure, demonstrating capability with complex schemes.
How do you approach Biodiversity Net Gain?
We integrate BNG requirements from initial design stages, conducting habitat assessments and creating enhancement plans that exceed regulatory standards while supporting development goals.
