About Us
Planning Consultant in Scotland Delivering Clarity Before Commitment
IUDEV is a planning consultancy in Scotland led by Chartered Planning Consultant John Russell, providing clear, risk-led planning advice to landowners, developers and property owners across Perth & Kinross, the Highlands and Scotland-wide.
Most planning projects don’t fail at application stage.
They fail because the planning position was never properly understood at the start.
That is where we focus.
Our Approach to Planning Consultancy in Scotland: Three Pillars of Effective Planning Strategy
Every successful project is built on three critical planning foundations. Our work is structured around these pillars to reduce risk and improve outcomes:
1. Clarity — Understand the Real Planning Position
We assess whether a site is likely to succeed before time or money is committed. This includes policy review, planning history, constraints and realistic prospects.
2. Strategy — Align with Policy and Delivery
We develop a planning strategy aligned with NPF4 and local development plans, ensuring the approach reflects how decisions are actually made.
3. Delivery — Execute with Control and Confidence
Where appropriate, we support applications, renewals and appeals with a clear, policy-led narrative that manages risk through the process.
A Planning Consultant Grounded in Real Development Experience
John Russell is a Chartered Member of the RTPI and an Associate of RICS, combining planning, land and development expertise within a single consultancy.
With over 15 years of experience across local authorities and private practice, his work includes:
Major and national developments
Strategic land and allocations
Environmental and EIA development
Infrastructure and regeneration projects
This is complemented by direct experience in land and development projects—ensuring advice is always commercially grounded.
Appeals, & High-Risk Planning Work
Experienced in Contentious and Defended Planning Cases
Due to the complex and often controversial nature of the caseload, John has extensive experience in:
Planning appeals and Statements of Case
Claims for expenses
Public Local Inquiries and Hearings
Working alongside planning lawyers, Queen’s Counsel, and expert witnesses
Planning Expertise Grounded in Development Reality
From Feasibility to Delivery
In addition to professional planning practice, John has pursued his own development and land acquisition projects. This has strengthened IUDEV’s expertise in:
Development viability and site optimisation
Legal agreements and land control
Governance, finance, and taxation considerations
Negotiation with landowners, consultants, and authorities
As a result, planning advice is always commercially grounded, not theoretical.
Start with Clarity
If you are dealing with planning uncertainty, an expiring permission, or a site with unknown potential, the first step is understanding your position properly.
Accreditation
Chartered Town Planner – RTPIÂ
Associate Member – RICSÂ
Recognised Professional Excellence
Recognition includes:
Scottish Planning Awards (Commended & Finalist)
National Planning Awards (Shortlisted)
European Natura 2000 Awards (Finalist)
Core Planning Services Focused on Real Problems
Our services are designed around the key issues clients face—not generic planning advice.
Planning Feasibility and Strategy Services in Scotland
Understand whether your site is worth progressing before committing cost.
Clear view on likelihood of success
Identification of planning risk and constraints
Strategy before design or surveys
Planning Permission Renewal & Extension
Avoid losing consent and protect land value.
Extension of time-sensitive permissions
Strategy for re-consent where needed
Policy positioning to support approval
Local Focus and Expertise
While based in Perth, IUDEV operates across Scotland, with particular expertise in:
This local focus ensures planning advice is informed by detailed policy interpretation, committee practice, and decision-making trends specific to these authorities, supporting well-judged and realistic planning strategies.
Unlock the Value of Your Land Without Taking Planning Risk
Not every client wants to pursue planning themselves. If you own land and are looking to realise its development value, land promotion allows you to do so without funding the planning process or taking on upfront risk. We work with landowners to structure and promote sites through the planning system—aligning strategy, timing and market positioning to maximise value.