Varsity Town Planning – consultancy offering sustainable & holistic town planning solutions

One of the UN “Sustainable Development Goals to Transform our World” is to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” and this is at the heart of what we do. Varsity Town Planning exists to help developers, businesses and communities create sustainable places, no matter how big or small. We are delighted to announce that we have committed to achieving Planet Mark Business Certification. We look forward to sharing further details on our sustainability journey soon.

#BusinessAsAForceForGood

Our Name

The word 'varsity' has its origins in the 1840s and is a shortened form of the word 'university'. In the Oxford to Cambridge Region it is also used to describe the railway line connecting the cities - the Varsity Line - and the initiative for a new cycle route in the same location - the Varsity Way. Our town planning work is based in this geography and so it was a natural name for our consultancy. Its also often used in sport to describe the first team!

Our Approach

We have a wealth of experience in securing allocations and delivering large scale and complex sites. This is achieved by building relationships with authorities and agencies to advance a sustainable story for a site, and one that is rooted in commercial common sense.

Our Values

We help our clients to create a positive legacy for the communities of the future. We mainly work for landowners and developers but also take on pro bono work for environmental and community projects. Our approach is to work flexibly to meet all our clients’ needs whilst nurturing the next generation of town planners.

Our Services

From our HQ in the centre of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, Varsity Town Planning will use our expertise and creativity to navigate your development project through the town planning system throughout England and Wales. Specifically, we can provide you with the following services:

Early Engagement and Pre Application

Preparation of pre-applications and negotiation of Planning Performance Agreements.

Planning Appraisals

Political Presentations & Visioning

Early Engagement

Local Plan Promotion

Planning Applications

Briefs, Codes and Statements

Application Negotiations

Section 106 Discussions

Appeals

Leadership

Varsity Town Planning will engage with you to identify your planning goals and co-ordinate a whole scheme solution, every aspect of which we can administer. We offer an holistic project management service for your scheme including co-ordination of the multi-disciplinary team, programme setting and budget management. References can be supplied.

Varsity Town Planning also engages with the national conversation on planning reform; attempting to redress the imbalance that is emerging. It is imperative that this generation of Town Planners work to solve the housing crisis and this is a regular topic for us when we speak at conferences.

Find out more

Careers

Varsity Town Planning is growing and we are keen to hear from people who are interested in starting or advancing a career in town planning. We have a blended work environment and, for the right person, would consider a range of flexible working options. We have recently established an apprenticeship programme to nurture the next generation of town planners. Please get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more.

Our team is growing and we would welcome applications from Town Planners at all stages of their career.