About

Expert planning and development services tailored to your needs.

Introduction

I‘m Louis Ferrando. I am a planning and development surveyor who helps landowners, estates and developers deliver development projects.

Some clients ask me to look after a scheme from start to finish. Others bring me in for specific advisory services, such as feasibility/cost planning, planning strategy, application management, development management or lender reporting. In all cases, my job is to enable successful projects for my clients.

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“I take a hands-on approach to every project, helping clients make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and deliver real value from start to finish.”

Louis Ferrando

Founder / Independent Planning & Development Surveyor

What I Actually Do

In practice, people usually ask me to help with one or more of the following:

  • Project feasibility: testing out what is realistic for a site before committing time and money
  • Planning & development management: planning strategy, submitting and managing planning applications, co-ordinating the consultant and design team and getting a site ready for construction
  • Development economics and viability: appraising and modelling sites to ensure the numbers work and there is a market for the proposed development
  • Project finance: providing clear information and advice for lenders and ensuring development projects can be funded
  • Project management and monitoring: procuring build contracts and managing construction on your behalf
  • Purchase and sale: advising on site acquisition, sale, and hold/exit strategy

Experience & Background

I began my career in quantity surveying and project management, typically working on residential and mixed-use schemes. From there, I moved into land and development roles, with a greater focus on planning strategy and funding.

Recent and typical work has included:

  • Estate wide planning and development advice for large landowners and businesses

  • Strategic and allocated residential development at masterplan and outline stages

  • Conversion of agricultural and listed buildings

  • Brownfield residential schemes on former industrial land

  • Independent monitoring and reporting for lenders

  • Highest and best use feasibility studies for potential or speculative development land

How I Work

When I am appointed, I act as your development expert.

This usually means:

  • Getting to grips with the site, the objectives and the challenges at the earliest stage
  • Being honest about what is and is not likely to work in planning and financial terms
  • Helping to set a brief and plan the route through planning and funding
  • Working with architects, engineers, specialist consultants, contractors and solicitors to secure planning and funding for viable developments on your behalf
  • Providing clear reporting and updates to manage risk and drive progress
  • Administering construction contracts and managing/monitoring construction works
  • Working with you to hold or exit a project at the right time and in the right structure
Work with Us

Who I Work With

I work with a range of clients who own or control land and development opportunities, including:

  • Estates and rural landowners: planning how best to use and release value from their land and buildings over time.

  • SME developers and investors: expert support to ensure viability, and navigate planning and funding processes.

  • Private landowners with one or two sites: clear advice on development options, planning potential and complete project management services. 

  • Lenders and funders: independent monitoring services and project specific advice to mitigate risk and enable secured lending.

 

Next steps

If you have land or a project you would like to talk through, I am happy to have an initial conversation to understand the site, your aims and where I may be able to help.

Request a consultation