LUC, which was established in 1966, has developed into a nationwide practice that operates across planning, impact assessment, landscape design, ecology, and geospatial services. 

It employs over 300 people across seven UK offices, working with clients from all sectors to address intricate land-use challenges.

Supporting the investigation into spoil heap stability following the Aberfan disaster, carrying out the Kent Downs AONB Study and contributing to the formation of modern approaches to landscape assessment are among the consultancy’s early work. 

The consultancy later contributed towards the restoration of the Lost Gardens of Heligan and designed the masterplan around the Eden Project’s biomes.

It later broadened its work into projects ranging from major renewable energy infrastructure, such as Clyde Wind Farm, to urban regeneration at Glasgow’s Claypits and nationwide Green Belt and Green Infrastructure assessments.

LUC became fully owned in 2020 on behalf of its employees, in a bid to safeguard the consultancy’s long-term independence and to provide its people with more stake in its future. 

Since January, the consultancy announced 49 promotions across the business. 

Rob Booth, chief executive at LUC, said: “Our work has changed enormously since 1966, but the thread running through LUC has remained consistent: bringing together talented people from different disciplines, to partner with our clients in tackling complex challenges affecting nature, people and places.

“Our priority now is to create the conditions to do our best work.”

Booth added: “That means continuing to invest in our people, our platform and our technology, while giving our teams the space to focus on the areas they are passionate about and where they can make the greatest positive impact.

“Employee ownership is central to that. Our people are not simply part of the business; collectively, they own it and have a role in shaping where it goes next.”

Over 300 colleagues from all seven LUC offices came together for a two-day company event in Harrogate during October to celebrate the 60th anniversary. 

The event included the premiere of a new film detailing the consultancy’s 60-year history, and focused on boosting the connections between LUC’s offices, teams and people.