An Approachable, Professional Service...

With Teeth!

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The Planning Objection Company and iObject.co.uk was founded in 2012 as a dedicated off-shoot from an RICS regulated planning and architectural practice.

Back in the day, we found ourselves becoming increasingly inundated with enquiries from people who wished to fight against planning applications - rather than to have us submit them.  So with a clear and growing demand for our unique expertise - we decided to focus our attention on this sector.  Now this is all the company does!

To make our decision even more compelling, we found that we were frequently contacted by members of the public that had already been poorly represented (often having been charged a small fortune for the privilege) either by high-street solicitors or, more often than not, self styled, unqualified 'planning agents' who had very little experience or understanding of the UK planning system (or their customers!).

Since the company was founded we have increased our professional team to encompass a wide range of professional backgrounds - including several active planning officers and other professional specialists - so as to ensure that our offer is second to none.

On a day to day basis we continue to work throughout the UK, across the whole planning spectrum, as impartial and independent professionals.

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Our Management Team

Ian Firth BSC (HONS) MRICS MTCPA

Planning Director Founder / Co-owner

Having a long established family history in property and construction, Ian initially took the the scenic route into the world of property and development; graduating from Plymouth University with a Degree in Estate Management in 2001.

Following this this he soon qualified as a Chartered Surveyor - and entered the RICS 'Land' and 'Planning & Development' Faculties.  He brings significant experience to the table having worked as both a civil servant and in private practice for many years.  For over a decade he has specialised in change of use, environmental planning and property diversification.

Over the years he has worked with and advised both private landowners and government agencies (Including 3 National Parks and DEFRA), he is also an active Parish Councillor...

Ian initially launched "I Object" in 2012 as a bolt-on to his established planning consultancy business. However In 2014; 'The Planning Objection Co. Ltd' was formed.  Ian's focus is now on quality of delivery and leading the business through phase 2 of a planned expansion programme (which will see the business grow from its' humble SOHO origins to become the UK's 'go to' planning objection consultancy.

Aside from being a family man and workaholic - when he has time Ian tries to maintain a keen interest in technology and partakes in various mountain and water sports (where his lack of style and finesse is usually countered by an over abundance of near suicidal enthusiasm!).

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Paul Munnery

​Commercial Director Co-owner

Prior to joining the iObject team, Paul Munnery has been an experienced Managing Director, non-executive Director and business troubleshooter.  Paul has coached and mentored business owners of companies from start-up through to £15m turnover. 

Following a successful career in roles including Managing Director and Sales and Marketing Director, operating in sectors including hi-tech and professional services, Paul started the first of three companies in 1996, growing them from start-up through to substantial turnovers and eventual sale. 

Paul has a reputation for business leadership, innovation, change and taking new and innovative products and services to market, plus delivering excellent business performance.

Paul joins the board of iObject to strengthen the professional management team of this fast growing company. Paul’s experience in running successful organisations that put the needs of the customer first helps to ensure that customers of iObject to receive a first class service.

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Oliver Arthey BSc PGd

Technical Director Co-owner

Oliver has long established experience in agricultural and rural development matters - having graduated from with his first degree from Plymouth University in 2001.

Working as a planning & development advisor with a well known national firm for a number of years and latterly as an entrepreneur in his own right - he has a great deal of experience and knowledge in greenfield development, agricultural proposals (notably poultry units and intensive agricultural expansion) and general business diversification proposals.

Oliver's pragmatic approach to the interpretation and application of planning law makes him a key asset to the company; There are few nationally recognised planning consultants - if any - that can boast the same unique blend of proven ability / academic qualification.

Oliver has extended his academic CV with further post-grad study through Harper Adams Agricultural University (Land Management) and is currently engaged in the prestigious Masters in Environmental Law - LLM programme with DeMontfort University.  Meanwhile, in a day to day working capacity, providing the technical and procedural backbone to the Planning Objection Company's core offer

Aside from technical and academic ability - Oliver also has first hand experience of greenfield property development (acting from the developers perspective) - which makes him a formidable ally in campaigns against similar proposals.

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Our Admin & Delivery Team

Melissa Carpenter

Project Manager

Mel is our in-house project coordinator, admin executive and delivery coordinator.  Mel deals with all new enquires, manages our delivery team and monitors all of our live projects on a day-to-day basis.

Mel works closely alongside Ian Firth and is an indispensable member of the team - especially when it comes to project delivery, team rosters and general project admin.

Along side the planning objection company, Mel is also employed by our sister company - Bondstones - and handles all new enquiries and even a few projects of her own when she has time!

Rebecca Firth BSc RRM

Operations Manager (P/T)

Following a management career in the Waste and Recycling Industry for over a decade, Rebecca finally found that her employer was interested in nothing more than profit at the expense of the environment - so she left the industry and joined Planning Objection Company team in early 2017.

Rebecca is responsible for recruitment, quality control and systems integration.  As you may have guessed, Rebecca is married to Ian (having been together since University.  NB: no dodgy office romances here!).

Rebecca's past in waste management and her keen interest in environment and ecology also presents highly beneficial insight for the team - particularly where protected species and development related impacts arise.

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Our delivery team is spread across the United Kingdom. However unlike may planning practices many of our team ore not full time employees... In addition to our in-house specialists a good number of our delivery team are also employed (or have been employed) by local planning authorities as Planning & Development Control Officers.

To assist our team in their regular work we don't disclose contact details on this site. However should you wish to hire us, you will have direct access to our colleagues - each of which will be assigned to your case based upon relevant expertise and availability.

Needless to say, we have a stringent conflict avoidance programme in place - which means that none of our consultants are ever able to be involved in a project where a conflict could arise.  Indeed our established and well proven Quality Control and data handling systems have been engineered to ensure that standards are maintained well before any client instruction is accepted.

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Here to help

• Our team will undertake detailed research and analysis and then provide feedback on almost any application - often using our considerable experience to read between the lines; advising you on issues that may not be immediately apparent

• We'll assist our clients to make a clear, valid and professional planning objection - using the ‘language’ and terminology used and understood by the planners - we'll even write a comprehensive objection letter for you... saving you time and ensuring peace of mind

• We'll help you stand up for your rights - making sure that you are properly represented at any (and every) stage of the planning process  

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• Stop an inappropriate development dead in its tracks! At worst we'll make sure your views and opinions are considered and taken into account by both the Planning Authority and the developer.  Even if we can't force a refusal - our services consistently provide an improved outcome for all concerned.

We're Dedicated to Providing Quality Representation for Everyone...
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​Especially the little guys!