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BLACK LOBSTER

Small, nimble and by the sea.

Masterplanning and Urban Strategies

We create masterplans that do more than organise a site. They provide clear frameworks for decision making over time.

We begin by listening to landscape, policy, heritage and community. From there we develop strategies that are ambitious in vision and realistic in delivery.

Our team works together throughout, keeping strategy and design connected. The result is a framework clients can move forward with confidence.

    • Urban design frameworks and spatial strategies.

    • Area masterplans and site-wide development frameworks.

    • Design codes and guidance documents.

    • Phasing and delivery strategies.

    • Public realm and movement strategies.

    • Stakeholder and community engagement.

Regeneration and Place Transformation

Regeneration is complex and significant. When done well, it reconnects communities and creates lasting value.

We bring together planning, landscape, architecture and heritage expertise, guided by collaboration with councils, communities and partners.

We look closely at each site’s story, what shaped it, what has been lost and what could be unlocked.

    • Town centre and high street regeneration strategies

    • Estate renewal and housing-led regeneration.

    • Waterfront and post-industrial site strategies.

    • Funding and viability strategies.

    • Community engagement and co-design.

    • Planning and development management support

Adaptive Reuse and Heritage

We make the most of what already exists.

Places carry history and character that cannot be recreated. When understood well, they become the foundation for something new.

Our approach finds new futures for historic and underused assets, adding value without losing what matters.

    • Heritage and conservation assessments.

    • Assistance with funding applications.

    • Adaptive reuse strategies and feasibility studies.

    • Change of use and listed building applications.

Landscape design

Landscape is often where we begin.

We look first at topography, ecology, water, light and the wider setting before design begins.

Our work ranges from strategic frameworks to detailed public spaces, always with long term health in mind.

    • Strategic landscape frameworks.

    • Public realm and streetscape design.

    • Gardens, grounds and estate landscapes.

    • Ecology and biodiversity net gain strategies.

    • Green and blue infrastructure planning.

Architecture

We design buildings that belong to their place.

Our work includes housing, community buildings and the careful adaptation of existing structures. Our team of award winning architects and Passivhaus designers, allowing us to focus on performance as well as form.

Good architecture should feel natural in its setting, generous in use and enduring over time.

    • New-build residential and mixed-use design.

    • Passivhaus design (certified designers).

    • Community buildings and civic spaces

    • Conversion, extension and adaptation.

    • Planning applications and design and access statements.

    • Technical design and construction support.

Landscape Planning

We provide integrated landscape and townscape assessments that help shape development with clarity and rigour.

Through LVIA, TVA and EIA work, we identify constraints, guide design evolution and support planning. Across all contexts, our focus is creating well‑integrated, sustainable places that respond positively to their setting.

    • Preparation of landscape and visual impact assessments (LVIA)

    • .Preparation of townscape visual impact appraisals (TVA)

    • Expert witness services for Public Enquiries and Examinations in Public.

    • Landscape planning assessment across urban, rural, green belt and grey belt contexts.

    • Production of high quality montages and visual representations.