Pleydell Smithyman has strengthened its planning team with the appointment of Ethan Giles as Planning Consultant, increasing its capacity to support clients across the garden centre, farm shop and wider rural development sectors.

Ethan brings a strong track record in planning and joins at a time when demand for development and planning advice is particularly important due to the recent positive changes with the National Planning Policy Framework updates in August 2026.  

His appointment provides additional resource for Pleydell Smithyman’s clients looking to develop, expand or diversify their businesses — from new retail and catering facilities to visitor attractions, extensions and wider site masterplans — giving their clients greater capacity and responsiveness throughout the planning process.

Kathryn Farden, Senior Planner and Director at Pleydell Smithyman, said “It’s fantastic to have Ethan on board.  He not only has a fantastic track record in planning, but also brings values and an approach that align really well with our business.  For our clients, Ethan brings additional planning capacity, and we’re looking forward to seeing him make a real contribution to the success of our clients’ projects.”

Ethan’s appointment further supports Pleydell Smithyman’s solution-focused approach, combining planning with architecture, landscape, commercial and operational expertise to help clients turn development ideas into viable projects.