Latest News
18 DEC 2025
Season’s Greetings from Evoke!
We would like to wish all our family, friends, clients and colleagues, old and new, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here’s to another fantastic year in 2026, full of health, happiness, and exciting new adventures.
From all of us at Evoke, thank you for being part of our journey, we can’t wait to see what the new year brings!
18 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #12 : Richard Stacey
Our final elf, and by no means the least... is our very own Managing Director, Founder and Owner of Evoke, Richard Stacey. With over 35 years’ experience, Richard specialises in providing transport planning and highway engineering advice to Santa and his reindeers!! Here are his top four answers:
- Favourite Project of the Year: "To narrow it down to just one is a challenge; I am still enjoying involvement in a large Local Plan allocation site but I think for this year it has to be achieving resolution to grant planning permission on a residential site in Charfield (including agreement with National Highways) – only took c9 years from start to finish! Great to get it over the line".
- Work Highlight of the Year: "Having to wear a long blonde wig to highlight the day to day challenges of being a Managing Director / Business owner. Don’t ask! Photographic evidence is not available".
- Personal Highlight of the Year: Personal Highlight of the Year : "It has not always been the best year for me personally (due to a close family bereavement in the summer) but perhaps a ‘highlight’ was the support and patience from colleagues, clients and contacts which allowed me to take ‘time out’ when I needed it. And then there was walking into a posh hotel cocktail bar in the resort we were staying in Greece singing ‘Sweet Caroline…….’ at the top of my voice after we had just watched England women win the Euros in our hotel room. No one in the bar joined in; all just looked very bemused. And my three daughters are still embarrassed by it – but still a great night of celebrations with Brandys at the bar!"
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "For me it is variety of different tastes and textures all combined piled high on one single plate that makes a Christmas dinner, so to single out just one item is wrong. However, as I have to, then it has to be ‘stuffing’ – what other (non-fruit or vegetable based) food is there that allows you to have so many double entendres and as much innuendo with your closest relatives every year? ‘Would you like stuffing Grandma?’, ‘Chance would be a fine thing!’ or ‘Anyone want stuffing?’ always raises a laugh Fnar Fnar! But the dinner is always best when topped by Cauliflower Cheese with loads of sauce".
And that wraps up our 12 Evoke Elves of Christmas! Thank you for following along, sharing the laughter and getting to know the people behind Evoke!!
From all of us : Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year
17 DEC 2025
Evoke’s Christmas Do!!
The Evoke Team headed to London for a festive Race Across the World challenge, followed by a well-earned meal to celebrate! A huge Congratulations to our winning team : "The Jingle Bell Jetsetters"
Richard Stacey, Paul Kelly, Andrew Nock and Nicci Clay.
Competitive spirits, great teamwork, and plenty of festive fun all round, the perfect way to wrap up the year!
17 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #11 : Nicci Clay
Nicci has been with Evoke for just under a year, returning to the industry after time out to look after her three children and jumping straight back into the festive swing of things!
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Always difficult to choose… but lately I’ve loved getting stuck into researching and creating welcome packs for a couple of our Travel Plan sites.”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Jumping back into the industry after a long break and now juggling life with three kids at home, its been challenging but also fun to find my feet again!”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “Celebrating a big birthday with family and friends earlier this year. Similar to one of our other elves, Paul, I was also 30 this year.”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "ROAST PARSNIPS. Every, Single, Time!"
From travel plans to family plans, Nicci proves multitasking is an elf superpower!! One final elf reveal still to come...
16 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #10 : Olivia Hennessy
Olivia Hennessy has been part of the Evoke team for over four years and is one of our Principal Consultants. Olivia plays a key role in delivering high-quality work and supporting the wider team across a diverse range of projects... here's her top 4 :
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Working on a c 500 homes mixed-use scheme in St Albans. Whilst it took up much of my year and had its challenges at times, it was a great project to be involved in and an excellent learning opportunity. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Our 6 year party in London was definitely a highlight of the year – celebrating the success of Evoke with many of our clients.”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “Completing my first marathon in Valencia a couple weeks ago. A really challenging, but rewarding experience and really proud of myself for committing to the 16 weeks of training and ticking off a huge life goal.”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "I love all the trimmings - the meat is my least favourite part, but cauliflower cheese has to be at the top."
The Christmas countdown continues with tomorrow’s elf!
15 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #9 : Clare Goodsell
Behind the scenes and very much keeping us all in line is Clare our HR & Business Manager. Clare makes sure the numbers add up, the people are looked after and the elves stay on the nice list!!
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Whilst not a technical team member, I enjoy seeing the wide variety of projects Evoke deliver, with a particular fondness for those that arrive with prompt payments!”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Continued growth for Evoke and seeing us open our 3rd office in Cheltenham. It’s great to see the team growing and hope to continue the trend in 2026!”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “Our ski holiday in April and finally getting to spend an afternoon skiing as a family, amazing! All the years of tears, tantrums and getting ski boots on the children have been worth it.”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "Has to be the roast potatoes, the crispier the better! Red cabbage is also a top contender, although I am alone in that particular like in my household!".....red cabbage, is that a thing??"
Clare keeps Evoke on track all year round, even Santa would approve! Look out for tomorrow’s elf!
12 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #8 : Pia Spence
Today’s festive spotlight is on Pia Spence our Principal Consultant at Evoke and the driving force behind our CSR team. Here are her four answers from the Elf hot seat...
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Working with Arrow Planning and the rest of the great project team to support the Trafalgar Tavern with an Appeal against an Enforcement Notice served by the Royal Borough of Greenwich which sought to remove the Tavern’s riverside outdoor seating. The Planning Inspector allowed the Appeal, quashed the Enforcement Notice and granted planning permission, subject to conditions. Another highlight for me was our first official Cheltenham office project. Although we’ve done numerous projects within the area prior to this, it was exciting to be able to get this first official project win.”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Unsurprisingly, the opening of the Cheltenham office absolutely has to be up there for me this year personal highlight for this year. Everyone has been so welcoming to us (and Tilly) and it’s been great getting to know clients and contacts in and around Cheltenham. It’s been super rewarding seeing all of the hard work pay off with a high number of project wins too. Another highlight for me would be the Maggie’s Dragon Boat Race we did back in June, using one of our two volunteering days to help raise money and awareness for the most amazing charity.”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “2025 was a big one for me (and my now husband, Sam) officially becoming Mr and Mrs Spence! Having just got back from an incredible honeymoon in Mexico, the cold and dark weather was a real shock to the system, but the upcoming festivities are keeping me going!”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "Easy one – roast potatoes. I work on attempting to perfect them all year round and hopefully I’m nearly there!"
And if Pia’s perfecting roasties all year long, the rest of us need to up our Christmas game... quickly!!
12 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #7 : David Fletcher
Today’s festive spotlight is on David Fletcher, a Director at Evoke and part of the team since day one back in 2019!
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Tough choice and so many aren’t in the public domain yet but submitting 3 large greybelt residential sites this autumn was challenging but also hopefully rewarding.”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Our client party was probably my highlight as it was great to celebrate six years of Evoke with the people who have helped us get here.”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “The arrival of Fletcher Baby Number 2, Leo in July!”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "I know it’s been said but nothing beats pigs in blankets!"
More elves incoming, keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow’s reveal!
09 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #6 : Jon Williams
Today the spotlight is on Jon Williams, an Associate at Evoke and a key part of the team since day one!!
- Favourite Project of the Year: “Fleckney Leisure Centre for me. Something a bit different, but a truly collaborative approach working with the LHA to overcome constraints and secure permission for a much-needed community facility.”
- Work Highlight of the Year: “Seeing the growth in our Midlands team – we’ve met and worked alongside some great people which has allowed us to be involved with a more diverse range of projects year on year, from distribution centres to padel courts and everything in between.”
- Personal Highlight of the Year: “Finally moving house – I’m now able to practice what we preach, with the nursery, post office, shop (and five pubs!) all within walking distance. Daily needs ticked.”
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "Bucking the trend… braised red cabbage wins the day". ..... is that even a thing!!! Thoughts below!"
Thanks for following along with our 12 Evoke Elves of Christmas series, more festive posts on the way!
08 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas – Elf #5 : Paul Kelly
Today’s festive spotlight shines on our Associate Director Paul Kelly, a transport planning extraordinaire and all-round top elf!
- Favourite Project of the Year: "Whilst there are many candidates, working with Berkeley Homes on the detailed proposals for Slough Central stands out. This project is crucial to the regeneration of Slough and it will represent a major transformation of the town centre, creating a vibrant and exciting mixed-use community, which provides essential support to the High Street and which supports reduced reliance on private cars by prioritising active travel and public transport accessibility".
- Work Highlight of the Year: "Finally making it to an Evoke Away Day after three previous failures. The team had a fantastic time in Cheltenham, so much so that we subsequently opened an office!"
- Personal Highlight of the Year: "Being whisked away for a week with no kids to celebrate my 30th (+10) birthday in Norway where we travelled around the breathtaking Fjords, which included taking the iconic Flåm Railway up the mountain and a combination of Scandinavia's longest zipline and bike back down. A true multi-modal journey!"
- Best Part of a Christmas Dinner: "Roast potatoes (as long as they are crispy and served with a generous helping of gravy!)".
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s elf...
05 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #4 : Andrew Nock
Today’s festive spotlight is on Andrew Nock our Senior Consultant, who joined the Evoke team earlier this year! Here are Andrew’s Festive Four:
- Favourite project of the year: “I am still fairly new to Evoke; however, I am working on a number of exciting projects which will hopefully get full planning permission in the new year. My favourite is an upcoming solar application in the South West of England...watch this space!!!”
- Work highlight of the year: “Starting at Evoke!!!”
- Personal highlight of the year: “Moving into our new house!”
- Best part of a Christmas dinner: “Yorkshire pudding!"...controversial, should this even be part of a Christmas dinner?!”
Great to have you on the Evoke team, Andrew!
04 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #3 : Matt Cairns
Say hello to today’s elf: Matthew Cairns!
Matt joined us in September as a Graduate Transport Planner and he’s been bringing energy, enthusiasm and a fair bit of musical talent to the team ever since! Matt’s Festive Four:
- Favourite project of the year: “The Avenue, Fareham, it involved my first solo site visit!”
- Work highlight of the year: “Our strategy day and the axe-throwing activity.”
- Personal highlight of the year: “Playing the main stage at Camper Calling festival with my band, Emerson.”
- Best part of a Christmas dinner: “Thick red wine gravy and pigs in blankets, of course!”
Thanks for being a star on (and off!) the Evoke stage, Matt!
02 DEC 2025
12 Evoke Elves of Christmas - Elf #2 : Nathan Reed
Today’s festive spotlight is on Nathan Reed, a Consultant at Evoke who’s been part of the team for just over a year!
- Favourite project of the year: “Working across three sites in Lincolnshire where I got out on-site and produced four proposed access design drawings.”
- Work highlight of the year: “Representing Evoke in the JLL Triathlon Relay Team.”
- Personal highlight of the year: “An unforgettable trip to Italy, complete with a photo next to a Ferrari!!”
- Best part of a Christmas dinner: “Pigs in blankets, of course!”
Stay tuned as we continue unveiling our festive Evoke elves throughout December!
01 DEC 2025
Meet Evoke Elf Number 1 : Lucy Crasto
Kicking off our 12 Evoke Elves of Christmas is Lucy Crasto, our Business Administrator who keeps everything running like Santa’s workshop! Here are Lucy’s festive answers to our four Christmas countdown questions:
- Favourite project of the year: “Being on the admin side of the business, my favourite projects are definitely the ones that pay on time… or even better, early!”
- Work highlight of the year: "Evoke’s 6th Year Party, proud to be part of the Evoke team celebrating such a big milestone, here's to the next 6 years!”
- Personal highlight of the year: “Running my first half marathon, which was in Rome! Seem to have got the running bug and onto Wokingham half in February!”
- Best part of a Christmas dinner: “Pigs in blankets, no hesitation!!"... Elite choice!”
Stay tuned for more Evoke Elves coming your way!
01 DEC 2025
The 12 Evoke Elves of Christmas Are Here!
It’s the 1st of December... which means it’s officially time to unleash the festive fun! And who better to help us celebrate than... the 12 Evoke Elves of Christmas!
Over the next few weeks, our mischievous little Elves will be answering 4 questions, with 4 posts a week, as we count down to the big day!
Get ready for festive facts, unexpected answers, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Keep your eyes peeled, our first Elf drops soon!
27 NOV 2025
Evoke’s Autumn Highlights
It’s been a season full of energy, growth, and celebration at Evoke! Here’s what we’ve been up to:
- Evoke’s 6th Year Party
- Welcome, Matthew Cairns!
- Annual Strategy Day
- Landmark Properties Planning Application
Here’s to an exciting season ahead!
24 NOV 2025
Big Announcement from the Government Last Week!
Housing developments within walking distance of a well-connected train station will now be given a default ‘yes’ in planning - as long as they meet certain criteria.
These new rules will be implemented alongside the revised NPPF, which should provide much-needed clarity on what constitutes a well-connected station and the standards developments will need to meet.
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This signals a major shift in how local authorities will have to view residential schemes, with the Government pushing an increasingly strong sustainability agenda. The focus is firmly on bringing land-use and transport planning together to ensure development happens in the most accessible, well-connected locations.
At Evoke Transport, we have a proven track record of helping clients realise the potential of land close to railway stations. We’ve built strong working relationships with Network Rail and have demonstrable knowledge of the key processes required to support effective engagement and agreement and get you on the right platform to success.
Recent examples include:
- Supporting the successful planning application for the new Iver Station North building and station access, enabling high-quality access to Greybelt land proposed for residential-led mixed-use development.
- Securing permission for 120 residential units, including safeguarding land for a future 400-space rail station car park, upgraded station facilities, improved access, a new footbridge, and a bus interchange.
With policy now shifting decisively in favour of station-adjacent development, we’re excited to help even more clients unlock the full potential of well-connected sites. If you’d like to understand what this change could mean for your land or project, let’s talk and get your project back on track!
19 NOV 2025
UK Prop Social - Reading
Yesterday our Director David Fletcher had an insightful time attending the joint Ethical Reading and UK Property Forums social in Reading.
Great hearing from the panel of Daniel Lampard, Will Barrett, Rory Carson and David Thomas on the subject of ethical business in the property industry and what can be done to improve environmental sustainability and standards in the sector and is there a premium on office spaces with better EPC ratings and will occupiers pay it?
Looking forward to the next one!
19 NOV 2025
Planning Permission Secured in Leicester
Great to see this much-needed scheme making headlines.
Proud to be part of the fantastic consultant team supporting Indie Education in securing planning permission for a new education facility right in the heart of Leicester City Centre.
14 NOV 2025
UK Property Forums Berkshire Property Awards
The Evoke Transport team had an enjoyable evening at the UK Property Forums Berkshire Property Awards last week.
Congratulations to all awards winners on the night and thank you to Mark Batchelor, Jeevan Gill, Paul McManamon, Steve Neal and Katie Walker for joining us. Well done to Olivia Hennessy for getting shortlisted.
Great work Matthew Battle and team and excellently hosted by Greg Searle MBE!
10 NOV 2025
Happy National Transport Planning Day!
With this year’s theme being "The Integration Imperative" focusing on the need for a more integrated national transport strategy we got our team at Evoke together for our Annual Strategy Day! This was a chance for the team to brainstorm, collaborate and shape the future of the company to make a smarter, more innovative and more sustainable transport planning consultancy.
After a day of big ideas and bold discussions, we swapped data for axes and strategy for accuracy at an axe throwing session, the perfect way to round off a productive day!
03 NOV 2025
EVOKE PRESS RELEASE
Evoke would like to categorically deny any involvement in the recent wave of graffiti appearing across the country bearing the word “EVOKE” in increasingly artistic - and occasionally glowing - letters. While we appreciate the flattering suggestion that our team might possess such impressive upper-arm strength and stealthy nocturnal mobility, we must clarify that our official activities take place indoors, mostly near coffee machines or head down coming up with innovative transport solutions, and rarely involve climbing scaffolding at 3 a.m.
We have no knowledge of who the mystery artist (or artists) might be, though we commend their brand consistency and impeccable use of colours and brand name. Any claims that Evoke is secretly behind the operation are completely unfounded. We are cooperating fully with local councils and wish to assure the public that, while we aim to make an impression, we usually prefer not to do so on public property.
31 OCT 2025
Something spooky is going on at Evoke!
From pumpkin carving and a hangman’s lunch to a frightfully fun scavenger hunt, our Reading office has been full of Halloween spirit!
Huge thanks to IMPACT WORKING for making it happen!
30 OCT 2025
Ethical Reading Workshop
A big thank you to Brad Hooker from Ethical Reading for joining us yesterday leading a great workshop for our team!
We are proud to be a partner working together to strengthen ethical leadership and community values in our region.
29 OCT 2025
Happy National Cat Day!
What better way to celebrate than by introducing our newest team member : Queenie
Queenie has been settling into her new home for just under a week and has already mastered the art of writing transport assessments and a few cat naps in between!
A huge shoutout to HDCUK Rescue for connecting Andrew Nock with this lovely lady. 💕: https://lnkd.in/ebWvZc_K
24 OCT 2025
Homes for London!
The Mayor of London and the Government have developed a package of support for housebuilding in the capital:
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- A temporary relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), including 50 per cent of borough CIL relief available for qualifying schemes which commit to delivering at least 20 per cent affordable housing.
- Removal of elements of guidance that can constrain density
- A time-limited planning route, enabling developers to secure planning permission without a viability assessment on private land where they commit to 20 per cent affordable housing.
- New powers for the Mayor of London to review and call-in applications of schemes of over 50 homes where a borough is minded to refuse.
- £322m of grant investment to enable the Mayor to unlock and accelerate housing delivery.
And as for Transport Planning.....
- Reduced requirements for cycle parking taking into account higher densities of development in London and the rise of dockless cycle and e-scooter hire.
- Additional flexibility will also be proposed in how the cycle storage is provided to avoid costly requirements e.g. for extra basement levels or loss of housing units; this could include off-site provision, contributions in lieu, and other options.
Consultation on these changes will take place in November for six weeks with implementation ASAP, so watch this space...
Will other councils follow suit?
23 OCT 2025
RTPI Seminar
Our Principal Consultant Pia Spence and Senior Consultant Andrew Nock attended the RTPI Gloucestershire Young Planners seminar on “Technology in Planning and the Built Environment.
This was a thought-provoking session exploring the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the sector. From discussions around effective prompting, the importance of keeping the human in the loop and the legal and ethical frameworks shaping AI use, the event highlighted just how rapidly this space is evolving.
A big thank you to HCR Law for hosting such an insightful session. How will AI impact the development sector in the future?
15 OCT 2025
Planning a Development in London?
Have you considered the need for a Night-Time Active Travel Zone (ATZ) Assessment?
London is a 24-hour city and it's crucial that new developments take night-time travel conditions into account. With the release of the TfL guidance earlier this year, they are increasingly being requested for developments within London.
At Evoke, we specialise in night-time site audits, assessing key routes and identifying factors that may affect the safety and accessibility of travel after dark. We pay particular attention to the experiences of all users, especially those who may feel more vulnerable at night, ensuring developments align with TfL’s guidance.
Get in touch to learn more about how we can support your planning application.
10 OCT 2025
LRG Boyer Charity Quiz Night
The Evoke team had another great evening at the LRG Boyer charity quiz last night, taking home third place!
A massive £18,000 raised for Trussell and great to catch up with lots of people. A slight demotion from last year’s second place, so hopefully next year we will have more luck with the win!
09 OCT 2025
Berkshire Property Awards
Evoke is proud to be sponsoring the Best Commercial Project of the Year category.
It's always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements across the property sector and we’re looking forward to an incredible evening of celebration and recognition!
Good luck to everyone who’s been shortlisted!
07 OCT 2025
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that our Principal Consultant Olivia Hennessy, has been shortlisted for "NextGen of the Year" at this year’s Berkshire Property Awards!
Olivia is an integral part of the Evoke team, demonstrating exceptional leadership, inspiring those around her and consistently delivering successful projects. Congratulations Olivia, a truly well-deserved recognition of your talent and dedication!
We can’t wait to see the results on the night and catch up with our industry friends!
29 SEP 2025
Looking Through Our Evoke Party Photos
Looking through our Evoke party photos, we really had the best time celebrating 6 incredible years of Evoke!
A night to remember with the people who make Evoke what it is.
Here's to growth, gratitude and many more milestones ahead.
25 SEP 2025
Welcome to Evoke Matt!
Join us in welcoming Matt Cairns to the Evoke team as a Graduate Transport Planner! Matt is based in our Reading Office and we are thrilled to have him join the team. In true Evoke tradition, here are 3 fun facts about Matt:
- He’s travelled to 6 of the 7 continents – just Antarctica to go!
- He plays drums in a rock band.
- He can run 5K in just 20 minutes.
Welcome Matt, we are excited to have you with us!
23 SEP 2025
2nd SET Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for our 2nd SET Breakfast at The Vineyard with Squires Planning, Evoke Transport, and Thrings.
A special thank you to our guest speaker Jonny Denton from Darcliffe Homes and a big shoutout to our fantastic panellists: Mark Campbell, David Fletcher and Kiran Maher for sharing their insights and to Fred Quartermain for taking the helm as the host! Lots of debate about recent changes to the planning system, the frustrations that still remain and the hopes for the future. Valuable connections, and plenty of food for thought.
Here’s to the next one, we can’t wait!
18 SEP 2025
Evoke's 6th Year Party
We had an amazing time celebrating Evoke’s 6th anniversary!! The drinks were flowing, the vibes were high, and the casino table brought the fun all night long!
Huge thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable night. Here’s to many more!
05 SEP 2025
Happy International Charity Day!
We wanted to take this opportunity to shout about the amazing charities that we frequently work with, including Maggie's Centres in Oxford and Launchpad in Reading.
Maggie’s provide vital free support to people living with cancer and their families, offering comfort, care, and community when it’s needed most.
Launchpad work tirelessly to seek to end homelessness across Reading. We are really proud to work with these incredible charities and others, through our fundraising initiatives and volunteering days to support their missions and organisations who are making a real difference to those which they support.
Here’s to continuing to lift each other up when we need it most and to building a future where compassion, care and generosity are at the heart.
02 SEP 2025
Evoke Transport turns 6!
Founded in 2019, we’ve spent the past six years providing honest, informed advice and tailored support to our partners and clients. At the same time, we’ve built a culture that inspires and empowers our employees to grow, develop and achieve our shared goals.
We would like to use this milestone as a chance to say a big THANK YOU to our dedicated team, partners, and clients who have been part of the journey and helped shape who Evoke is today. We look ahead with excitement as to what the future holds for Evoke and for Transport Planning with a vision led approach at its heart!
Here’s to the next chapter!
28 AUG 2025
Evoke’s Summer Highlights
Hard to pick just a few with so much happening, but here are some of our favourite moments from this summer:
- Our Annual Summer Social, always a highlight for the team!
- Some exciting planning wins we were proud to be involved in.
- The opening of our new Cheltenham office.
- Welcoming Andrew and Rex to the Evoke team.
A season full of milestones, connections, and celebrations, here’s to carrying this momentum into autumn!
26 AUG 2025
Happy National Dog Day!
We couldn’t think of a better day to introduce the newest (and furriest) member of the Evoke Team : meet Rex, our brand new Recruitment Executive!
He’s already proving to be paws-itively the best at finding talent and boosting morale. Welcome to the team, Rex!
22 AUG 2025
Planning application for Belmont Property
Great to have been part of a planning application for Belmont Property working alongside Mark Batchelor at 4ty Planning and Goldstein Heather for the regeneration of the former Beckenham Theatre site on the corner of Bromley Road and Manor Road.
This elegant four-storey scheme will deliver 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments, with reduced parking and delivering a car club for the local area.
16 AUG 2025
Client Feedback Highlight
We’re delighted to share some recent feedback from our valued client Tess Outram at Taylor Wimpey plc.
Building long-term relationships and delivering consistent value is at the heart of what Evoke strive to do, feedback like this reinforces our commitment.
11 AUG 2025
A big welcome to the team!
We're excited to have Andrew Nock join Evoke as our new Senior Consultant. Andrew brings a wealth of expertise and fresh ideas, we can’t wait for his Evoke journey to start!
As per Evoke tradition, here are 3 fun facts about our newest team member:
- I am a twin
- I have refereed a Premier League tournament
- I have been on Europe’s longest zipline
Welcome aboard, Andrew!
01 AUG 2025
Day Out at the Cheltenham Cricket Festival
Last week, Richard Stacey and Pia Spence had the pleasure of attending the Cheltenham Cricket Festival with our neighbours at The Site. A fantastic day enjoyed by all!
28 JUL 2025
PadelStars Watford Gets the Green Light!
Great to be involved in another scheme with PadelStars UK for five padel courts within the existing Woodside Leisure Centre complex. Evoke produced a Transport Statement to support the application, justifying the existing access arrangements, existing car and cycle parking provision suitability and minor traffic impact. Hertfordshire Highways raised no objections to the application and were satisfied with the parking proposals and access arrangements.
Well done to the team for the successful outcome and for securing the permission ahead of schedule!
25 JUL 2025
New Homes Approved in Charfield
Exciting news from South Gloucestershire! Planning permission has been granted for CEG:'s proposal to deliver 525 high-quality new homes south of Wootton Road, Charfield. This marks a significant milestone in addressing local housing needs while supporting broader community and transport goals.
This development goes beyond bricks and mortar. It will help facilitate the reopening of Charfield railway station, enhancing connectivity for both current and future residents. It also includes a village-wide traffic calming scheme that will promote active travel, improve road safety, and create a more attractive environment for the whole community.
Read more
In combination with the recently approved Bloor Homes scheme, the development will also enable a capacity and safety upgrade at M5 Junction 14, thanks to a collaborative approach with National Highways and South Gloucestershire Council. We’re proud to be supporting CEG: on this transformational project, which represents a major step forward for sustainable, well-connected growth in the region.
Richard Stacey, Managing Director, who has worked on the project for over nine years, said:
"I’m really pleased to see this scheme receive a resolution to grant planning. It’s been a fascinating journey, particularly with the evolving planning policy landscape. What’s been most satisfying is the collaborative working across neighbouring developments, leading to agreed solutions for the and the village traffic strategy. The reopening of the station will truly enhance Charfield’s appeal as a great place to live."
16 JUL 2025
Evoke Summer Social 2025
On Monday, we hosted our annual Evoke Summer Social at Christchurch Meadows. A perfect day for a picnic, sunshine and some friendly competition!
After a relaxing lunch, the team got stuck into games of Molkky, Spikeball, Rounders, and Boules. Huge Congratulations to Richard Stacey and Jon Williams, who proved unstoppable and were crowned our Molkky champions!
We were also joined by a special guest who’ll be officially joining #TeamEvoke very soon, stay tuned for the big reveal!
09 JUL 2025
Client Feedback Spotlight
We're proud to share this fantastic feedback from Hightown
We enjoy working with organisations like Hightown who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Thank you for your trust and collaboration!
Keen to discuss your project with an expert? Give us a call on:
- Reading: 0118 380 0182
- Birmingham: 0121 663 1719
- Cheltenham: 0124 232 3051
02 JUL 2025
The impact of development and construction
Our Managing Director, Richard Stacey provides a personal reflection on the impact of development and construction... What are you views?
When the Diggers Move In – Should I Have Been a NIMBY?
Over recent months, I've had to work from my parents’ home due to personal circumstances. During this time, I’ve watched a housing development unfold outside the window of the house I was born in.
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It’s a personal reminder of a dilemma many of us in the development planning world may face - what happens when development impacts you personally? The photos show the view from my (former) bedroom window at various stages of construction. This is a home my parents have lived in since they got married, a place I feel privileged to have been raised, it’s located in the best county in the UK - where the cream goes on first, those across the Tamar may disagree!
As the scheme progressed through planning, my dad embodied the classic “OAP objector,” while my mum leaned more toward “young people need homes.” Their joint sentiment? “We’ll be long gone before anything happens anyway” (a prediction that hasn’t aged well!). I didn’t help my dad write objections—instead, I suggested he engage with the developer to influence the scheme design. Unfortunately, it seemed to be a "done deal" with limited interest from either the developer or the local planning authority. His main ask at the end: protect the large tree in the centre of the site (which so far, thankfully, remains). I’m fortunate to work with clients who take engagement seriously. I also know and respect the transport planner who prepared the initial Transport Assessment. Do I think the scheme will cause a severe or unacceptable impact? No.
Do I think it's a sustainable location? Debatable. Bus services and active travel routes are lacking. But it will boost local services and town centre vitality. And yet part of me feels sad.
There’ll soon be houses backing onto my parents’ garden. For decades, they’ve enjoyed uninterrupted countryside views. There's no planning “right to a view,” but it doesn't stop me standing in the garden or at the window and feeling a pang of loss.
Growing up here was a privilege. And it’s time others shared that too. Still, seeing homes rise in the fields I once played in brings mixed emotions. Then there’s the construction impact. Ongoing for nearly 3 years, it’s noisy, disruptive, and far from ideal for WFH. Development can be life-changing—for better and worse.
As a transport planner and someone who helps facilitate housing delivery, this has been a timely reminder: Even well-planned schemes affect people. And those people matter.
We often focus on housing numbers, access design, and mitigation. But we should also listen. I’ve always tried to keep my ears open to local concerns, even when not every issue can be resolved.
To those in the development industry:
- Have you ever been on the receiving end of development?
- Have your personal/professional views ever been in conflict?
- What did you do?
I’ll always carry a bit of guilt for not backing my dad more. But I gave the advice I believed in. What would you have done?
26 JUN 2025
JLL Property Triathlon 2025
Evoke Transport took on the JLL Property Triathlon 2025 at Dorney Lake and what a day it was!
We joined 3,500+ industry colleagues in swimming, biking, and running for a great cause raising funds for Age UK. From early morning nerves to post-race celebrations, the energy, spirit and sunshine didn’t disappoint. Huge kudos to the organisers for putting on another phenomenal event!
A massive well done to everyone who took part and to our Evoke Team Olivia Hennessy, Nicci Clay and Nathan Reed for showing grit, speed and teamwork on and off the course. See you on the start line in 2026!
20 JUN 2025
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy
Yesterday the HM Treasury released its "UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy" backed by at least £725 billion of government funding for infrastructure over the next decade.
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Key headings:
- Transport for Growth: £15.6bn for Transport for City Regions (TCR) includes long-term funding for urban mobility and new mass transit systems – important context for major site access and sustainable transport proposals.
- Enhanced Highway Maintenance: £24bn capital for roads (2026–2030), including a new Structures Fund for bridges and major assets – critical for developers with proximity to strategic or constrained infrastructure.
- East West Rail (£2.5bn): Will boost development potential along the Oxford–Cambridge Arc. Transport assessments in these areas should consider future connectivity benefits.
- Lower Thames Crossing: £590m initially allocated with further funding model under review – important for developments in the South East that may be affected by shifting strategic traffic flows.
- Integrated Spatial Planning: New National Infrastructure Spatial Tool will support joined-up infrastructure planning, helping to align transport, housing, energy and water – relevant for framing development proposals in a regional context.
- Faster Planning System: Ambition to halve the timeline for major infrastructure consents. Transport consultants should see smoother processes for projects involving strategic transport schemes.
- EV & Sustainable Transport Investment: £2.6bn allocated to EV charging infrastructure and decarbonisation – developers will increasingly need to embed EV provision and low-carbon mobility in schemes.
- Heathrow Expansion and HS2 are being progressed with revised governance – consider knock-on implications for surrounding land use and multi-modal connections.
- Place-Based Business Cases: Encourages coordinated investment in transport, housing and services – aligning well with multi-disciplinary planning submissions.
- Cross Boundary Collaboration: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will build on Local Growth Plans by introducing a system of spatial planning across local authority boundaries, via a duty to prepare a Spatial Development Strategy
To read the document in more detail visit: https://lnkd.in/d4PhD5cT
Will the investment be enough?
13 JUN 2025
Maggie's Oxford buoyant Dragon Boat Race day
Yesterday some of the Evoke Transport team took part in the Maggie's Oxford buoyant Dragon Boat Race day to raise funds and awareness for an oar-some cause.
Take a bow our friends at Arrow Planning, ASA Landscape Architects, iB Architects Ltd, Turley, ET Planning and Francis Construction for joining us for ashore good day after we floated the idea to them.
Whilst we didn't win the overall race, there is no sinking feeling as the reel winner was Maggie's Oxford and the fantastic work they do!
10 JUN 2025
The launch of Transport for London's new PTAL
It's not just a new London Plan being consulted on....with the launch of Transport for London's new WebCAT 3.0 Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) database we have looked at what this means for different part of London. What does this mean for your site? More parking? Less Parking? Greater Density?
See below for an overview of the increases in decreases in PTAL ratings or find your site specific rating using:
The new dashboard also integrates 2021 Census data for reviewing car ownership and population data within Borough boundaries at LSOA and MSOA level.
09 JUN 2025
First week in our new Cheltenham Office!
It’s been an exciting first week in our new Cheltenham office, and we’re already feeling the energy, collaboration, and friendliness of our new neighbours at The Site and throughout Cheltenham.
Last week involved a great morning learning more about Rental Property Reforms (thanks to The Property Forum for a fab event), client meetings and even a feature in the local press!
Tilly also had her first day at the office and has been promoted to "Head of Wellbeing." Big thanks to everyone who helped make the office opening smooth and successful. Exciting times ahead!
04 JUN 2025
National Highways and Evoke Vision-Led CPD
Last month, we had the pleasure of welcoming Marius Pieters and Nigel De Wit from the South East Spatial Planning Team at National Highways to Evoke Transport.
They shared knowledge on their inspiring approach to vision-led transport planning and decision making, sparking valuable discussions and fresh perspectives within our team.
It was a great session, we truly enjoyed learning from you and having you with us!
02 JUN 2025
Introducing our Cheltenham Office!
You guessed it, Evoke Transport's third office location is...Cheltenham! For those guessing the emoji's it was obviously the home of the Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham Gold Cup, GCHQ (The Doughnut), the arrays of Cheltenham festivals and the birthplace of composer Holst!
We are exSiTEd to open our new office at The Site with Pia Tiley heading up the office with support from the Evoke team.
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Pia Tiley said "Incredibly excited about the opening of our new office in Cheltenham! Our office location at The Site is excellent, and is the perfect setting for Evoke's continued growth and success. The new space brings us closer to our clients in the region, and will help to strengthen our presence in the South West. If this wasn't enough, The Site is dog friendly so Tilly (my dog) is very excited about her new weekday home!"
We look forward to getting to know our new neighbours ampm construction, K-Ten Consulting Ltd, Zesta Planning Ltd, Apex Architecture Ltd, Lansdown Kitchens & Bathrooms, Lark Cooper Ltd and everyone else that make the building such a great place!
28 MAY 2025
It's no longer the worst kept secret...
We are excited to share that on Monday 2nd June we will be opening our third Evoke Transport office.
Where did I hear you say?
We will give you a clue: 🏆 🏇 🍩 🎪 🤓
19 MAY 2025
Evoke’s Spring Highlights Are Here!
Here’s a look at what made our Spring so special:
- Evoke hosts a SET Breakfast alongside Squires Planning & Thrings
- Evoke Annual Away Day in Cheltenham
- Arrow/Evoke CPD
- Jon Williams receives a Long Service Award
Spring was just the beginning and Summer’s got big things coming. Stay tuned!
09 MAY 2025
Evoke’s Charity Partner – Maggie’s
This year, we’re proud to support Maggie's Centres, a charity that means a great deal to us. Maggie’s provides free, expert care and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer, patients, families, and friends alike.
"Our centres help people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries."
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To kick things off, Team Evoke completed a 33km walk from Goring to Henley, raising an incredible £2,575 for the Maggie’s Oxford Centre!
What your money does...
- £38 - means an individual, couple or family can have a one-hour support session with a Psychologist, helping them address a complex range of issues
- £150 - pays for one day of money advice to support people to claim the grants and benefits they are entitled to
- £282 - provides cancer support sessions for up to 20 people to help them understand their diagnosis, treatment and life with cancer
Next up: Maggie’s Dragon Boat Race on June 12th, a fun and fierce challenge. Join us to help raise even more for this life-changing cause: https://bit.ly/42s9TwS
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far ... let’s keep the momentum going!
06 MAY 2025
A Huge Congratulations to Our Associate Jon Williams!
We're thrilled to celebrate Jon Williams on receiving a Long Service Award. Jon has been with Evoke since day one, and his dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental to our journey.
Richard Stacey, Managing Director – "Many thanks to Jon for his dedication and inputs to Evoke to assist with the company’s growth over the past 5 years – his sterling effort in opening and expanding our Birmingham office is particularly commendable. Enjoy the fully deserved break."
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Jon Williams, Associate – "A big thank you to the Evoke team for this recognition – it has been a real pleasure working alongside Richard, David and the Evoke team to grow our company’s presence in the midlands. I must also thank the great network of professionals that have helped support us along the way. Bring on the next 5..."
David Fletcher, Director - "It’s great to acknowledge and reward loyalty, and Evoke would not be the company it is today without the hard work and dedication from Jon. Hope you enjoy your relaxing weekend away as a token of our appreciation for everything you have done in the last five years for Evoke, roll on the next five!"
Thank you Jon, for being such a valued part of the team!
29 APR 2025
Team Evoke annual weekend away in Cheltenham!
We may not have escaped the room, but we definitely had a blast at Escape Hunt!
Great food at Brasserie Blanc Cheltenham, stylish stay at The George, fantastic company and lots of laughs along the way!!
We look forward to visiting Cheltenham again soon...
18 APR 2025
Evoke Debates the new NPPF over Breakfast
With the Vision-Led approach at the forefront of Transport Planning in the NPPF, the Evoke Transport team had a breakfast debate about what it means for sites of all sizes and sectors!
It's time to rethink Transport Assessments and work collaboratively with clients and design teams to come up with overall visions for sites that align with Local Plan visions and the aspirations to make well-designed, sustainable and popular places for people to live, work and play!
09 APR 2025
Latest Client Feedback
We asked for honest feedback and you delivered! The results from our latest client feedback forms are in, and here’s what stood out the most. Your insights help shape the way Evoke work, plan, and grow.
We’re listening and we’re evolving because of YOU.
Get in touch, we would love to help!
Phone: 0118 380 0182
Email: info@evoketransport.co.uk
01 APR 2025
Inaugural SET Breakfast
Thank you to all who attended the inaugural SET Breakfast yesterday with Squires Planning, Evoke Transport and Thrings at The Vineyard
A special thank you to Emmaline Lambert from Cornerstone Barristers for an insightful view on the NPPF changes, greenbelt / greybelt and recent Appeal case law. This was followed by a lively debate from our panel Mark Campbell, David Fletcher and Fred Quartermain compered by Richard Stacey
We look forward to bringing you future events...
18 MAR 2025
Evoke Projects in Bucks
Buckinghamshire Council officially re-opened their call for sites last week, running till Wednedsay 23rd April!
Here at Evoke we have a wealth of experience working all across Bucks, with 12% of all our projects being within the county! As such, we are well placed to assist with the call for sites process. Do you have a site that has tricky access? If so, it is worth considering submitting an Access Appraisal report alongside the Call for Sites form to further support the site. Please do get in touch if you need any assistance or have any questions on how we could help!
Phone: 0118 380 0182
Email: info@evoketransport.co.uk
14 MAR 2025
A big win for Team Evoke
A big win for Team Evoke at the Gleeson Land quiz last night!
Thanks to Gleeson Land for hosting a great quiz last night raising money for Step by Step Partnership Ltd, a charity supporting young people through homelessness. To top off the night Evoke came first, scoring 9/10 on their joker round. Special mention to Nick Parsons who joined Team Evoke and helped secure the win!
13 MAR 2025
CPD for Arrow Planning
Yesterday some of the Evoke team headed to High Wycombe to do a CPD for Arrow Planning on all things transport planning. Transport planning might not always be the most exciting topic, but we try to spice it up - just like our Turkish feast afterwards! Nothing like a good meal to wrap up a (hopefully) useful afternoon. Great to spend time with the Arrow team and thanks to all for listening to us! Look forward to your planning CPD soon.
Want a CPD of your own? Please do get in touch!
04 MAR 2025
Annual Launchpad Pancake Race
The Evoke Transport team had a flipping good time at the annual Launchpad Pancake Race, achieving an eggcellent 3rd place finish all in aid of a great cause. We even managed to pancake batter rival transport planning consultancies along the way to the semi-finals!
Special thank you to Lichfields UK for the replacement pan! Congratulations to the eventual winners Davis Tate.
24 FEB 2025
Thatcham Garden Centre Redevelopment
We were thrilled to be part of the team working on The Garden Centre Thatcham planning application. Looking forward to the next stage of this journey!
To read more about the redevelopment click here Garden centre plans redevelopment | UK Property Forums
14 FEB 2025
Hillingdon Investor Conference
Our Associate Director Paul Kelly had a great day at the Hillingdon Investor Conference sponsored by SEGRO plc.
Some of the key takeaways were as follows:
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- Hillingdon is London’s highest growth Borough. It is a unique place to invest as a global gateway hub, with 92% of world’s economies accessible from Hillingdon, and £208 billion of cargo pa passing through it.
- 42% of Hillingdon is greenbelt and work is ongoing to review what will now be designated as greybelt. Some areas will clearly fall into this category according to LBH.
- There are great opportunities for partnership working and to build on existing relationships with Geoff Rodgers noting that Brunel University of London is uniquely placed to support the continuing growth and diversity in skills and workforce needed in the Borough.
- Matthew Grant MRICS commented that ‘Data’ can now be considered the 4th utility. In delivering growth in the Borough, including Data Centres (‘Critical National Infrastructure’) and housing, planning for and delivering power is going to be key.
- Neil Impiazzi highlighted how in delivering modern industrial space and attracting investment, it is about providing the right buildings in the right space. Sometimes sites will be well positioned strategically but there will be barriers, and it is about working with partners to deliver the infrastructure that can unlock sites, with Hillingdon offering great opportunities.
- Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy for TfL, noted that if you deliver high quality infrastructure people will use it as evidenced by Crossrail. As an outer London Borough, where private vehicle use will be higher (c.50%), getting the transport vision and strategy right to support growth is key, and TfL will be working with LBH on the Borough’s cycling strategy whilst improvements are being delivered to the Picadilly Line rolling stock which will help enhance frequency.
- Although the ‘Elephant’ in the room, the third runway and investment in passenger facilities offers the chance to enhance Heathrow and Hillingdon as a global hub and gateway. As with all growth in LBH, the key will be how expansion can be delivered sustainably and manage private motor vehicle use for access. Will we now see Heathrow Southern Railway and/or Western Rail Link to Heathrow delivered?
In summary, and to quote LBH, Hillingdon is ready for take-off (although LBH would prefer this to be from two runaways only).
29 JAN 2025
Evoke’s Winter Highlights
Welcome to Evoke’s winter highlights! A season of growth, creativity, and success - here are some of our top moments worth celebrating...
21 JAN 2025
Evoke Projects Map
To start the year we figured it would be a great time to update the Evoke projects map! Great to tick off Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Wight last year. To complete the map, North Somerset, Southampton and Solihull, to name a few, we are coming for you! We have also worked in all London boroughs except one... so City of London beware!
If you would like to help us tick off some new places, please feel free to give us a call on:
Reading: 0118 380 0182
Birmingham: 0121 663 1719
Or email info@evoketransport.co.uk
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