A South West-based specialist planning consultancy is looking ahead to a strong future after being acquired by an international group on a mission to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and land use,
Exeter-based Lighthouse Development Consulting, which serves the renewable energy, clean technology and infrastructure sectors, is now part of Origin Enterprises, which is headquartered in Dublin.
Lighthouse Development Consulting co-founder Peter Grubb
The group, listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market and Euronext Growth Dublin, generates annual revenues of more than €2bn (£1.7bn) and employs 2,800-plus people in 28 companies across two continents.
It offers a range of technically led products and services across the agriculture, environmental, urban & infrastructure development, and amenity markets.
Lighthouse, which also has an office in Cardiff, serves the renewable energy, clean technology and infrastructure sectors, working with UK developers and investors on projects.
Among its recent projects was securing planning permission for a battery energy storage system (BESS) near an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Isle of Anglesey.
It was also recently named Mid-sized Planning Consultancy of the Year at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 South West.
Lighthouse is now complementing and strengthening Origin’s Neo Environmental business as part of its Living Landscapes division, adding specialist technical planning expertise that broadens the group’s multidisciplinary capabilities and enhances the integrated environmental solutions it provides to customers.
Peter Grubb, co-founder and director of Lighthouse Development Consulting, said: “Joining the Living Landscapes division of Origin allows us to preserve our brand, culture and approach while benefiting from greater scale, enhanced infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise and long-term investment.
Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall director Paul Matthews
“For our clients, this means the same trusted team, the same independent advice and the same focus on delivering successful projects.”
Jon Garner, head of Origin Environmental, said the Lighthouse team had built” an exceptional business founded on technical excellence, trusted relationships and a culture that aligns closely with our own”.
He added: “The demands placed on land continue to evolve. Customers increasingly need partners who can bring together planning, environmental assessment and technical expertise to help navigate growing complexity and optimise the land use.”
Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors director and head of corporate and commercial, Paul Matthews, led the legal team advising Lighthouse’s shareholders on the deal.
He said: “We were pleased to advise Lighthouse Development Consulting on this transaction and delighted to complete the deal to the satisfaction of all parties. We wish the business every ongoing success.”
