From Plans to Reality: Year One at JG Town Planning
As JG Town Planning marks its first year in business, we are excited to reflect on how much has been achieved. From securing planning permissions to growing the business and adapting to industry changes, the past 12 months have been both challenging and rewarding. Over the past 12 months, JG Town Planning has grown from an idea into a thriving business, delivering successful planning outcomes across London and the South-East. Here’s a look back at the journey so far:
March 2024 – Laying the Foundations
JG Town Planning was officially launched! Month one was all about getting the business off the ground—sorting out admin, refining the company’s strategy, and setting the vision for the future. At the same time, I hit the ground running, promoting sites on behalf of a client to Tandridge District Council’s Call for Sites, kickstarting what would become a busy year ahead.
April 2024 – Expanding Commercial Opportunities
One of our first major projects involved submitting an application to the London Borough of Brent to allow for a commercial unit to operate under all Class E uses. This increased flexibility and opened up a range of possibilities for potential tenants, making the space far more viable for businesses.
May 2024 – A New Workspace & Business Support
Finding the right environment to grow a business is key, so moving into my new co-working space at the Wohl Enterprise Hub was a big step forward. Over the past year, this space has provided invaluable support through business development workshops and one-on-one advice, helping to shape JG Town Planning into what it is today.
June 2024 – Networking Through Sport
In June I stepped out of the office and onto the racecourse for the JLL Property Triathlon – a great way to meet new contacts from across the industry in a more relaxed (but still competitive!) setting.
July 2024 – A Shift in Government
A major political shift: Labour came into power! With potential planning reforms on the horizon, it was a month of closely monitoring changes that could impact the industry.
August 2024 – A Summer of Major Projects
Summer flew by as I was busy managing multiple planning applications, including:
- A 260-bed student accommodation scheme in Leyton
- A mixed-use development in Islington
- New commercial space in Wembley
Each project presented its own challenges, from design considerations to policy constraints, but all were exciting opportunities to help shape their respective areas.
September 2024 – Planning Success at Hawker Place
A major milestone this month as we secured planning consent for 12 new homes at Hawker Place in Walthamstow. This project reinforced our expertise in residential planning and demonstrated our ability to successfully navigate the planning process.
October 2024 – A Digital Milestone
We officially launched our new website! This has helped us showcase our projects, connect with clients, and share insights into the planning world.
November 2024 – Office to Residential in Haringey
This month, we secured planning permission in Haringey for the change of use from office space to residential—a project that contributes to the ongoing need for housing delivery in London while repurposing underused commercial space.
December 2024 – A New National Planning Policy Framework
A big moment for planners—the release of the new NPPF. As always, changes to national planning policy bring both opportunities and challenges, and we’ve been busy analysing its implications for future projects.
January 2025 – Planning Success in Barnet
The new year started strong with another planning permission secured in Barnet for a new residential development.
February 2025 – Our Largest Application to Date
Closing out our first year on a high note, we submitted a major planning application for 23 new homes and a health centre in Islington—our biggest project since launching. This marks a significant step forward in JG Town Planning’s growth, and we’re excited for what’s next!
Looking Ahead
It's been an incredible first year, and I’m excited to see what the next 12 months bring. With a growing portfolio of projects and ongoing changes in the planning landscape, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.