Strutt & Parker today announced the acquisition of AKA Planning, an independent planning consultancy based in Surrey.

AKA Planning comprises six planners who will join Strutt & Parker’s existing development team in Guildford; AKA’s managing director Adrian Kearley will head the planning group.

AKA Planning has considerable experience in delivering residential and mixed-use developments in both the public and private sector.  Recently they have been involved in the redevelopment of Walthamstow Stadium and advised on proposals for sustainable urban extensions in the south east and major regeneration schemes in London.  In the last five years they have secured planning permission for over 2,500 new dwellings.

AKA Planning has also undertaken extensive work in the care and retirement housing sector, working with care providers to deliver care homes, dementia units, extra-care housing and retirement villages. In the past year they have obtained planning permission for over 30 care schemes and they have recently undertaken a care home rationalisation programme in Suffolk securing planning permission for 10 new care homes and 10 new well-being centres.

Strutt & Parker has seven national planning teams located throughout the UK with a team that now extends to 46. Also this year Strutt & Parker has acquired two estate agencies, Roberts Newby and Edwards & Elliott – adding five additional offices to its network, as part of its continued plan for growth.

Andy Martin, senior partner at Strutt & Parker said: “The acquisition of AKA Planning’s team of experts gives us the perfect platform for the expansion of our development and planning services across the south east. The team will be essential in assisting our clients to unlock opportunities in what is an ever-changing landscape.”

Adrian Kearley, managing director at AKA Planning added: “This is a great opportunity to combine our expertise with that of the existing Strutt & Parker development team and to ensure that our clients benefit from a range of complementary skills and services.”