Martin Gaine

Martin Gaine is a chartered town planner and the founder of Just Planning, a consultancy dedicated to providing expert property planning advice. The firm focuses on assisting homeowners and smaller property developers in navigating the often intricate and complex planning system within the United Kingdom. As chief executive of Just Planning, Martin Gaine leads an operation committed to demystifying the planning process for clients who may encounter difficulties or confusion. His work is centered on offering clear, straightforward solutions to planning challenges, ensuring that clients can effectively achieve their development goals.

The company's core mission involves simplifying the regulatory landscape for those undertaking property projects across the UK. Martin Gaine established Just Planning in 2014, drawing on his extensive experience as a council case officer and private sector planning consultant. The company provides specialized planning advice and expertise designed to resolve a variety of planning problems. Martin Gaine's consultancy is particularly geared towards individuals and smaller developers who find themselves entangled in the complexities of the UK's planning regulations.

The firm offers fixed-price planning advice, providing clients with transparent and predictable costs for expert guidance. This approach aims to deliver accessible and professional assistance, enabling clients to overcome obstacles in their planning applications. The company's services are structured to offer practical support and strategic insights, helping to streamline the approval process for diverse property developments. Beyond direct consultancy, Martin Gaine is also recognized as an author, contributing significantly to the understanding of planning permission through his published works.

He is the author of "How to Get Planning Permission – An Insider’s Secrets," a resource designed to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the planning system. This book offers valuable insights into strategies for successfully obtaining planning permission, drawing from his extensive experience as a planning expert. His literary contributions extend to "Planning for HMOs - A practical guide to planning permission for houses in multiple occupation," which serves as another key resource for property owners and developers. These publications underscore the company's commitment to educating and empowering clients with essential knowledge.

A significant area of the company's expertise lies in planning for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), a sector with direct relevance to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Martin Gaine provides practical guidance on securing planning permission for HMOs, addressing the specific regulatory requirements and challenges associated with such properties. The company's recent insights and updates frequently cover critical topics such as why councils refuse HMO planning applications and how to avoid such outcomes. Furthermore, the firm offers advice on what councils look for in an HMO planning application and highlights potential pitfalls like Article 4 Directions, which can significantly impact HMO landlords.

This specialized focus demonstrates the company's deep understanding of the nuances involved in developing and managing multi-occupancy residential properties, including those often utilized for student housing. The firm's expertise in this area is crucial for developers and investors operating within the student accommodation market. Martin Gaine actively engages with the public and industry professionals through various platforms, reinforcing his position as a leading UK planning expert. He maintains a strong presence on social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, where he shares insights and updates on planning matters.

The company also offers a newsletter, providing subscribers with industry news, tips, tricks, and insider secrets directly to their inbox. His contributions to publications like the Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Build It Magazine further illustrate his role in offering expert advice to a broader audience on diverse planning issues.