About Us

Experienced Planners. Practical Advice. Professional Results.

At Carter-Smith Planning Consultants, we believe that navigating the planning system should not be unnecessarily complicated. Based in Morpeth, Northumberland, we are an independent planning consultancy providing expert advice and representation to homeowners, developers, architects, landowners and businesses across the North East and throughout England.

Led by Two Chartered Town Planners

Our consultancy is led by two experienced Chartered Town Planners who combine professional knowledge, local authority experience and a practical understanding of the challenges facing clients.

We provide a personalised, hands-on service, helping clients understand their options, overcome planning obstacles and develop effective strategies for progressing their proposals.

From straightforward planning applications to complex enforcement investigations, planning appeals and specialist development projects, our focus is on providing clear, commercially minded and evidence-based advice.

Meet Our Directors

The People Behind the Consultancy

Tony Carter MSc MRTPI — Director, Carter-Smith Planning Consultants

Professional Qualifications

Master of Science (MSc)
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Chartered Town Planner

Tony Carter MSc MRTPI

Director | Chartered Town Planner

Tony Carter is a Chartered Town Planner and Director of Carter-Smith Planning Consultants, bringing extensive professional planning experience and specialist knowledge to the consultancy.

With a strong understanding of planning legislation, national and local planning policy and the development management process, Tony provides strategic planning advice across a broad range of development projects. His approach combines careful consideration of planning policy with practical solutions tailored to the needs and objectives of each client.

Tony works closely with property owners, developers and other professionals to identify planning opportunities, assess development potential and guide proposals through the planning process. As a Director of Carter-Smith Planning Consultants, Tony is committed to maintaining high professional standards, building strong working relationships and providing clients with clear, reliable and practical advice.

Nathan Millin MA MRTPI — Director, Carter-Smith Planning Consultants

Professional Qualifications

Master of Arts (MA)
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
Chartered Town Planner

Specialist Areas

Planning Enforcement and Enforcement Appeals
Planning Appeals and Planning Inspectorate Representation
Lawful Development Certificates
Children's Homes and Specialist Residential Accommodation
Retrospective Planning Applications
Changes of Use and Permitted Development
Planning Legislation and Case Law
Residential and Commercial Development

Nathan Millin MA MRTPI

Director | Chartered Town Planner | Planning Enforcement & Appeals Specialist

Nathan Millin is a Chartered Town Planner and Director of Carter-Smith Planning Consultants, with extensive experience working within local government planning departments and private consultancy.

Before moving into private practice, Nathan spent approximately eight years working in local authority planning enforcement and also held a Planning Officer role at North Tyneside Council. This background provides valuable first-hand insight into how local planning authorities investigate alleged breaches of planning control, assess planning applications, interpret planning legislation and reach planning decisions.

Nathan has developed particular expertise in planning enforcement, planning appeals, lawful development certificates, retrospective planning applications and complex changes of use. He also specialises in planning matters involving children's residential care homes, including the interpretation of Use Classes C2, C3 and C3(b), material changes of use and the preparation of detailed evidence-based planning submissions.

Nathan is known for his direct, practical approach, focusing on understanding the relevant planning issues, identifying realistic solutions and developing strong planning arguments supported by policy, legislation and case law.

Our Strengths

Why Work With Us?

Local Authority Experience

Our experience of the planning system from within local government enables us to understand the processes, policies and considerations that influence planning decisions.

Professional Expertise

As Chartered Town Planners and members of the Royal Town Planning Institute, we are committed to maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

Direct Access to Experienced Planners

We provide a personal service. Clients communicate directly with experienced planning professionals who understand their projects and remain involved throughout the process.

Practical, Honest Advice

We believe in giving realistic planning advice, identifying potential risks early and developing practical solutions rather than making promises that cannot be guaranteed.

A Broad Range of Planning Experience

Our work covers residential development, commercial and industrial projects, rural development, heritage matters, planning enforcement, lawful development and specialist changes of use.

Local Knowledge, National Coverage

Based in Morpeth, we have extensive knowledge of planning matters across Northumberland and the wider North East, while also supporting clients throughout England.

Our Approach

Understand. Assess. Advise. Deliver.

Every project begins with understanding what our client wants to achieve. We review the relevant planning history, legislation, development plan policies and site-specific considerations before advising on the most appropriate strategy.

Where necessary, we work with architects, technical consultants, local authorities and other professionals to prepare robust submissions and address issues as they arise.

We believe good planning advice should be clear, accessible and focused on achieving realistic results.

Speak to Our Team

Whether you need advice on a proposed development, assistance with a planning application, representation at appeal or help resolving an enforcement matter, Tony and Nathan are available to discuss your requirements.

Get in Touch View Our Services