Kevin Scott, Managing Director
Kevin Scott brings over 30 years of planning expertise to his role as Managing Director of Solve Planning. His career began in local government before he transitioned into the development industry, where he held senior planning roles with several well-known names in house building. Throughout his career, Kevin has secured planning permission for a wide range of residential and mixed-use developments, navigating complex planning environments with a pragmatic, commercially-minded approach.
Kevin is particularly skilled in leading multidisciplinary project teams, managing budgets, and optimising development potential. His deep understanding of both commercial realities and planning policy means he consistently delivers strategies that are not only viable but also visionary.
His areas of expertise include:
• Project management
• Major planning applications
• Consultancy team leadership
• Financial appraisal and viability
• Public inquiries
• Land acquisition
• Environmental assessments
• Strategic land
• Conservation and listed buildings
In 2009, Kevin founded Kevin Scott Consultancy, which became Solve Planning Limited in 2019, marking a decade of growth, evolution, and ongoing success in the planning sector.
Kay Collins, Planning Director
Kay Collins joined Solve Planning in 2014, bringing with her over two decades of planning experience across both public and private sectors. Her career includes senior roles with respected consultancies such as Savills and Hepher Dixon, as well as key positions within local authorities including Surrey Heath Borough Council and Hart District Council.
Kay specialises in preparing and submitting planning applications for a wide range of development types and scales, often managing multidisciplinary project teams and navigating complex planning scenarios. Her approach combines technical precision with a clear understanding of client needs, making her a trusted advisor on projects from concept to consent.
Her past experience spans:
• Preparation and submission of planning applications
• Temporary sports development planning
• Green Belt development
• General planning advice and site appraisals
• Planning appeals
A standout moment in Kay’s career was her involvement in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where she acted as planning consultant for a range of temporary venues and infrastructure, delivering consents under tight timelines and with international visibility.
Helen Hill, Operations Director
Helen Hill joined Solve Planning in 2016, bringing over 30 years of experience supporting senior executives across global multinationals and dynamic private firms. With a strong foundation in executive, personal, and secretarial assistance, as well as office management and event coordination, Helen plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our operations.
Her career has spanned some of London’s most prestigious organisations, including CSFB, AXA Sunlife, McKinsey & Company and Schroders. She’s also worked with smaller local businesses, offering adaptable, high-level support wherever it’s needed. Helen’s international experience includes facilitating office start-ups for overseas companies launching in London, delivering logistical expertise with a steady hand and professional flair.
At Solve Planning, Helen is at the heart of our operational success, ensuring that our growing team is equipped, supported, and seamlessly coordinated.
Rosalind Graham, Associate Director
Rosalind joined Solve Planning in May 2021 and brings over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors. She began her career in local government, holding planning roles at Birmingham City Council and Wandsworth Borough Council, before moving into private consultancy with The London Planning Practice, Savills, and Iceni Projects, where she served as an Associate.
Her diverse portfolio includes everything from focused planning advice for private landowners to complex residential, mixed-use, and education schemes across Central and Outer London boroughs, as well as throughout the South East.
Rosalind excels at managing projects from early-stage inception through to delivering optimal outcomes for clients. Her strategic mindset and thorough understanding of the planning landscape allows her to guide teams and stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
Areas of expertise include:
• Planning, Listed Building & Conservation Area Consent Applications
• Planning Appeals
• Planning Appraisals and Development Strategy
• Project Management
• Public Consultation
• Development Plan Representations
Rosalind’s approach is both analytical and hands-on, making her a key contributor to Solve Planning’s ongoing success across a wide range of sectors.
Rebecca Oattes, Associate Planner
Rebecca Oattes joined Solve Planning in January 2023, bringing over a decade of Local Authority experience gained at Waverley Borough Council. With a solid foundation in both Planning Enforcement and Development Control, Rebecca has developed a strong reputation for her detailed, pragmatic approach and in-depth understanding of planning procedures.
Her portfolio includes everything from household and change of use applications to the assessment of major development schemes, where she has taken a lead role. Rebecca’s background makes her particularly well-placed to advise clients on navigating local planning policy and securing successful outcomes.
Her areas of expertise include:
• Planning and Listed Building Applications (residential, mixed-use, and commercial)
• Planning Appeals (Written Representations, Hearings, and Public Inquiries)
• Pre-application planning advice and strategy
Rebecca’s insight into both regulatory and practical aspects of planning ensures clients benefit from clear guidance and an informed, responsive service at every stage.
Ruth Dovey, Associate Planner
Ruth joined Solve Planning in September 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience across both public and private sectors. Her career includes senior planning roles at the London Planning Practice, Savills, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and most recently, Waverley Borough Council.
Her diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of urban and rural planning challenges. At Waverley, she played a leading role in major strategic projects, including serving as the lead officer on an 1,800-home garden village scheme, highlighting her ability to manage complex developments with vision and precision.
Ruth’s expertise includes:
• Planning and Listed Building Applications (residential, mixed-use, commercial, major, and outline)
• Planning Appeals (Written Representations, Hearings, and Public Inquiries)
• Site Appraisals and Strategic Planning Advice
• Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement
With her collaborative approach and problem-solving mindset, Ruth is a key contributor to Solve Planning’s mission to deliver bespoke, high-quality planning advice across the South East.
