DPDS Consulting Group, a leading town planning and development consultancy based in Old Town, Swindon, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary.
Founded in April 1985 by current Chairman Les Durrant, the firm has been at the forefront of some of the region’s most significant development projects. Over the past four decades, DPDS has become a trusted advisor to a wide range of clients throughout the Thames Valley and across the UK, offering professional services in town planning, environmental impact assessments, landscape design, urban design, and architectural/building services.
Reflecting on the milestone, Les Durrant shared, “It seems quite incredible that we are coming up to our 40th anniversary; we have been involved in so many exciting projects over the years that time seems to have flown by. It has been a privilege to have worked for many prestigious companies and organisations over that time and to have seen some truly landmark developments achieved as a result.”
Throughout its history, DPDS has contributed significantly to local and regional development. Notable projects in the Swindon area include the Great Western Hospital, the Wichelstowe town expansion scheme, and the development of the Queens Drive campus of New College, Swindon. As the practice approaches its anniversary, it continues to play an integral role in several major commercial developments that are expected to come to fruition in 2025.
Les has also been a committed advocate for local business development, actively supporting the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce. He emphasises the firm’s role in helping businesses navigate the often-complex planning system. “An important part of our consultancy work for clients has been in supporting businesses and helping them to grow and develop. It is a logical extension of that service to also work as part of the Thames Valley Chamber team to help businesses, both large, small and especially new start-ups, to develop and thrive”.
He continues “The planning system can seem quite daunting and challenging to businesses of all types, so it is important that we try to help create the appropriate policy framework to support, rather than hinder, business development and to achieve that through the Chamber working closely with central and local government agencies wherever possible.”
Looking forward to the year ahead, DPDS remains optimistic about its continued success and the role it will play in shaping the future of urban development. The firm is confident that its next chapter will be just as impactful and exciting as the past 40 years.
