
Planning & Development
A team of dedicated planning specialists within our residential, commercial, and rural departments have an excellent record of successful applications throughout the region

Spanning the region, our team offers honest, professional advice and demonstrates a strong track record of success. Given the wide area we cover, we can be nimble in identifying development opportunities and have built strong relationships with local authorities, landowners, and other development professionals.
Whether you are a homeowner, a developer, or looking for ways to maximise your property's potential, our supportive experts have an in-depth understanding of the planning process to help you succeed.
Our team has a wealth of experience across the broad spectrum of planning, from small scale bespoke developments to large scale land promotions.
Residential Development & Bespoke Homes
We provide expert planning advice and application management for bespoke dwellings, residential developments, affordable housing schemes, and Class Q residential conversions. Our service spans the full development lifecycle, from initial feasibility and site appraisal through to securing planning permission and managing the planning process.
Householder Applications
We provide expert planning advice for homeowners seeking to extend, improve, or develop their property. From householder planning applications and permitted development enquiries to design guidance and liaison with local authorities, we offer clear, considered support throughout the planning process.


Planning Applications & Development Management
We manage the preparation, submission, and progression of planning applications across a wide range of development types. This includes planning appraisals, reserved matters applications, and ongoing liaison with local authorities, consultants, and stakeholders throughout the planning process.
Planning Appeals & Strategic Advice
We provide expert advice and representation in relation to planning appeals, enforcement matters, and complex planning issues. Our strategic guidance is thoughtful, commercially focused, and tailored to help clients navigate the planning system with confidence and achieve practical outcomes.
Lawful Development & Planning Compliance
We regularly advise on Certificates of Lawful Use or Development, planning conditions, and planning obligations, including Section 52 and Section 106 agreements. Our support helps clients manage planning constraints effectively and maintain compliance throughout the development process.
Commercial Development & Strategic Land Promotion
We provide strategic planning advice for commercial development projects and land promotion opportunities. Our services include site appraisal, promotion through the local plan process, and considered guidance to enhance the long-term value and development prospects of land and property assets.


Agricultural & Rural Diversification
Working closely with our specialist rural advisers, we provide tailored planning support for diversification projects, including Class R change of use applications, tourism and leisure schemes, farm-based enterprises, and wider rural business initiatives. Our advice is designed to support long-term estate performance, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Barn Conversions & Agricultural Buildings
We specialise in planning and design advice for barn conversions, the adaptation of traditional farm buildings, and the development of new agricultural buildings. We advise on both full planning applications and permitted development routes, helping clients realise the full potential of their property assets.
Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development
We provide specialist planning advice for renewable energy schemes and sustainable development projects, including solar installations, energy infrastructure, and environmentally focused rural development. Our approach balances planning strategy, commercial objectives, and long-term sustainability.
Amongst numerous recent successes, we are proud to have advised clients with:
- Class Q and residential conversions
- Bespoke Homes
- Strategic Land Promotion
- Residential Developments
- Affordable Housing
- Commercial Development
- Class R change of use and diversification
- New farm buildings
- Certificates of lawful use
- Diversification
- Conversion of farm buildings
- Tourism opportunities
- Renewable energy schemes
- Dealing with reserved matters
- Planning Appeals
- Permitted Development
- Design of and applications for Barn Conversions
- Production of Heads of Terms for Planning Agreements
- Planning Appraisals
- Leisure and Recreation
- Agricultural occupancy conditions, Section 52 and Section 106 agreements
- Building & Design
Meet the Planning & Diversification Team
Edward Dyke
Partner
Sturminster Newton
FRICS FAAV
Department: Rural and Agricultural, Professional, Sturminster Newton Rural and Agricultural
Speciality: Agricultural Tenancies, Agricultural Appraisals, AMC Boundary Disputes, Compensation, Compulsory Purchase, Contract Farming, Development Land, Diversification, Easements, Expert Witness, Farm Business Tenancies, Farms and Land, Grass Keep, Option Agreements, Options, Planner, Preparation of Plans for Land Registry, Probate, Promotions, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Tax Planning, Valuations, Valuations for Banks, Wayleaves
07787 128286
edyke@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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A-J Monro (Andrew)
Partner, Head of Professional Services
Wimborne
MRICS FAAV APAEWE
Department: Rural and Agricultural, Professional, Wimborne Rural and Agricultural
Speciality: Agricultural Tenancies, AMC, Boundary Disputes, BPS, Compensation, Contract Farming, Development Land, Diversification, Easements, Energy, Expert Witness, Farm Business Tenancies, Farm Finance, Farms and Land, Grass Keep, Option Agreements, Options, Planner, Preparation of Plans for Land Registry, Probate, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Rural Grants and Subsidies, Tax Planning, Telecoms, Valuations, Valuations for Banks, Wayleaves
01202 882103
07867 555838
amonro@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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Lucy Carnell
Rural Partner
Yeovil
MRICS
Department: Yeovil Rural and Agricultural, Rural and Agricultural, Professional
Service: BPS, Compensation, Compulsory Purchase, Easements, Farms and Land, Grass Keep, Preparations of Plans for Land Registry, Probate, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Rural Grants and Subsidies, Valuations, Wayleaves
01935 382901
07940 256550
lcarnell@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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George Whittaker
Rural Partner
Dorchester, Poundbury Burraton House
AssocRICS FAAV MNAVA
Department: Rural and Agricultural, Dorchester Rural and Agricultural, Burraton Rural and Agricultural, Professional
Speciality: Agricultural Tenancies, Agricultural Appraisals, Agriculture, Biodiversity Net Gain, BPS, Contract Farming, Diversification, Estate Management, Farm Business Tenancies, Farms and Land, Grass Keep, Planner, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Rural Grants and Subsidies, Telecoms, Valuations
01305 236578
gwhittaker@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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Annabel Douglas
Rural Chartered Surveyor
Bridport
MRICS FAAV
Department: Rural and Agricultural, Bridport Rural and Agricultural, Professional
Speciality: Agricultural Tenancies, Agricultural Appraisals, BPS, Compensation, Diversification, Estate Management, Farm Business Tenancies, Grass Keep, Planner, Preparation of Plans for Land Registry, Probate, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Rural Grants and Subsidies, Tax Planning, Valuations, Valuations for Banks
01308 459564
adouglas@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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Eloise Maclean
Senior Rural Chartered Surveyor
Salisbury
MRICS FAAV
Service: Agricultural Tenancies, Farm Business Tenancies, Farms and Land, Planner, Preparation of Plans for Land Registry, Probate, Rural Grants and Subsidies, Valuations, Expert Witness
emaclean@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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Sarah Vere
Head of Tiverton Professional
Tiverton
MRICS FAAV
Department: Rural and Agricultural, Tiverton Rural and Agricultural, Professional
Speciality: Agricultural Tenancies, Agricultural Appraisals, Agriculture, BPS, Compensation, Compulsory Purchase, Contract Farming, Diversification, Farm Business Tenancies, Farms and Land, Grass Keep, Preparation of Plans for Land Registry, Rural Grants and Subsidies
01884 218911
svere@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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Meet the Commercial Planning Team
Ryan Holmes
Partner, Head of Commercial
Dorchester, Poundbury Burraton Yard
DipSurvPract AssocRICS MARLA
Department: Commercial, Dorchester Commercial, Burraton Commercial
Speciality: Commercial Property Management, MANCO, RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Commercial Rent Reviews, Valuations, Commercial Sales, Commercial Lettings, Lease Renewals, Rent Reviews, Estate Management, Leisure, Commercial Agency, Block Management, Managing Agent
Commercial Enquiries 01305 261008
Poundbury Manco Enquiries 01305 756968
rholmes@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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George Rogers
Commercial Partner
Yeovil
MRICS
Service: Professional, Commercial, Yeovil Commercial
Speciality: RICS Registered Valuer, RICS Valuer, Commercial Rent Reviews, Valuations, Commercial Sales, Commercial Lettings, Lease Renewals, Rent Reviews, Commercial Development, Commercial Agency, Commercial Land
01935 382902
07375 284964
grogers@symondsandsampson.co.uk
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How else can we help you?
As a multi-disciplinary firm, our agents can also provide a wide range of professional services across Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire & Cornwall.
Rural Services Commercial Services Residential Services




