Shaping the future of South Region
Cavendish helps organisations navigate the planning landscape with clarity and confidence. We advise public and private sector clients across the South of England, combining local insight with strategic communications to support everything from individual planning applications to major infrastructure programmes.
Unparalleled experience in the region
Cavendish is at the heart of delivering for clients in the South of England and bring a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement and communications, including for Southampton Airport, McCarthy Stone, McDonalds, Taylor Wimpey, Aldi, Crest Nicholson, Southern Water and Eastleigh Borough Council.
The South is undergoing political change at a local government level and a new Combined Authority for Hampshire & Isle Wight has been confirmed, with elections for a new Mayor now scheduled May 2028 (they were initially planned for May 2026, but the government has since announced that further time is needed to bed in local government reorganisation plans).
All district level authorities are set to be abolished, with the region going through a process of local government reorganisation that will see larger, unitary authorities across Hampshire.
Following a public consultation on the various options submitted for reorganisation, in March 2026, the government announced that five new unitary authorities would be created in Hampshire that will comprise of the following new councils: North Hampshire, Mid Hampshire, South East Hampshire, South West Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight remaining as a separate unitary authority.
Please see our recent blog here for further information on these options – elections to these new authorities are anticipated in May 2027, with the authorities set to be operational from May 2028.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a step ahead and is not subject to LGR – they are discussing forming a new Combined Authority with Wiltshire and Dorset in an attempt to create a new ‘Heart of Wessex’ Combined Authority. With a strong track record of working in the region, Cavendish is best placed to help you understand the opportunities that devolution will provide in spatial planning. New Mayor’s in the region will have the power to adopt a regional planning approach, that has the potential to work in combat with a regional infrastructure initiative, to unlock further opportunities for growth and investment.
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Shaping the region
Whatever built environment sector you are operating in, we have the insights, the expertise and creative solutions to help your message reach the people that can positively influence change. We’re helping to shape the region, working alongside key stakeholders on the local level and at key events like UKREiiF and MIPIM.
We understand the issues that matter most to decision-makers and communities and can help you to communicate effectively to achieve your objectives.
You’re in good
company.
We are trusted advisors to some of the most high-profile organisations operating in The South:
Work to be proud of.
Our people;
your team.
Laura is an experienced planning communications and public affairs specialist having worked in the built environment industry for over 15 years’. Leading our team across the South, Laura has experience across numerous sectors including infrastructure, retail, retirement and residential working with clients such as McDonald’s, Southampton Airport, AGS Group, McCarthy Stone and Lovell.
Sam is an award-winning communications strategist with a track record of advising high-profile clients for over 20 years. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communications strategies that capture attention, initiate discussions, and influence behavioural change. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and brand, and collaborates closely with her clients to craft impactful narratives that establish connections between audiences and brands.
James has significant experience in the region, having spent four years as a communications advisor to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority on a number of its major transport initiatives.
Most recently, James has supported McDonald’s in engaging with key political figures in Cambridge, and assisting Wrenbridge on its proposals for a cutting-edge, mid-tech scheme in the city.
Outside of Cambridge city, James has supported Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group to deliver new homes at Cambourne West, and is currently advising Urban & Civic and Hill Group on a large-scale development proposal in South and East Cambridgeshire.
Nick has a wealth of experience in most aspects of development including prime residential, major commercial and corporate developments, large strategic land allocations and energy infrastructure. He has a 20-year track record successfully advising high-profile clients across the development sector, drawing on a background at both the Westminster parliamentary and local government levels to inform his counsel. Nick was formerly a local councillor in Guildford, serving 12 years on the planning committee and three years as a Cabinet Member in roles covering the environment and planning.
