Specialist environmental planning advice built on experience
Cissbury Consulting provides specialist planning and environmental advice to public and private sector clients. The consultancy is led by David Payne, a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) with more than 30 years’ experience across minerals, waste, sustainability, and biodiversity.
Cissbury Consulting was established to offer a more personal and flexible alternative to larger consultancy firms while maintaining the same level of professional expertise and rigour.
Meet David Payne
David Payne is the founder and Director of Cissbury Consulting and a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) with more than 30 years’ experience in environmental planning.
His career has focused on supporting complex projects across minerals, waste, sustainability, and biodiversity, working with developers, industry bodies, planning authorities, and national organisations. This includes preparing and managing planning applications, advising on planning policy, contributing to research and strategy, and providing expert support throughout the planning process.
David combines a background in planning with a degree in biological science (ecology), bringing a balanced understanding of both development requirements and environmental considerations. His approach is practical, evidence based, and focused on achieving outcomes that are deliverable and robust.
David frequently works as an associate within wider consultancy teams, providing specialist planning input on complex projects.
Background and Experience
David has worked across a wide range of planning and environmental projects, from early site appraisal and strategic advice through to planning applications, policy development,
and implementation.
His work includes supporting developers, industry bodies, planning authorities, and national organisations on complex planning issues. This includes minerals and waste planning, sustainability appraisal, environmental assessment, and biodiversity policy.
Alongside project delivery, he has also contributed to research, guidance, and policy development at both regional and national level.
How We Work
Cissbury Consulting provides a small, specialist consultancy service where clients work directly with an experienced consultant throughout their project.
Depending on the requirements, work may be delivered independently or as part of wider multidisciplinary teams. This flexible approach allows clients to access senior expertise without unnecessary layers or complexity.
The focus is always on clear, practical advice that supports informed decision making and realistic delivery.
Our Approach
Cissbury Consulting is built around a straightforward principle: provide clear, honest advice that balances development needs with environmental responsibility.
By combining planning expertise with a background in biological science, the consultancy brings an understanding of both regulatory requirements and environmental outcomes.
Projects are approached collaboratively, with an emphasis on finding workable solutions that stand up to scrutiny.
Who We Work With
Cissbury Consulting works with:
-
Public sector organisations
-
Developers and operators
-
Industry and trade associations
-
Multidisciplinary consultancy teams
Projects range from early feasibility and strategy through to planning approval, implementation, and policy support.
