WHN advises on sale of renewable energy planning consultancy

Lancashire law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors has advised the shareholders of Lighthouse Development Consulting on its sale to Origin Enterprises.  

Lighthouse Development Consulting is a specialist UK planning and development consultancy serving the renewable energy, clean technology and infrastructure sectors. The business operates from offices in Exeter and Cardiff and works with developers and investors on projects across the UK.

Origin Enterprises is an international group dedicated to championing sustainable land use through its portfolio of specialist businesses. Spanning 28 companies across two continents, they offer a range of technically-led products and services across the agriculture, environmental, urban & infrastructure development, and amenity markets. 

The group, listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Growth Dublin, generates annual revenues of more than €2 billion and employs more than 2,800 people. 

Lighthouse will complement and strengthen Origin’s neo environmental business as part of the Living Landscapes division, adding specialist technical planning expertise that broadens the Group's multidisciplinary capabilities and enhances the integrated environmental solutions it provides to customers. 

Lighthouse was recently named Midsized Planning Consultancy of the Year at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 South West.

WHN director and head of corporate and commercial Paul Matthews led the legal team advising Lighthouse’s shareholders on the transaction. 

Paul said: “We were pleased to advise Lighthouse Development Consulting on this transaction and delighted to complete the deal to the satisfaction of all parties. We wish the business every ongoing success.”

Peter Grubb, director, Lighthouse Development Consulting, said: “Joining the Living Landscapes division of Origin allows us to preserve our brand, culture and approach while benefiting from greater scale, enhanced infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise and long-term investment. For our clients, this means the same trusted team, the same independent advice and the same focus on delivering successful projects.”

Jon Garner, head of Origin Enterprises, said: “The demands placed on land continue to evolve. Customers increasingly need partners who can bring together planning, environmental assessment and technical expertise to help navigate growing complexity and optimise the land use. 

“Peter, Nick and the wider Lighthouse team have built an exceptional business founded on technical excellence, trusted relationships and a culture that aligns closely with our own. We are delighted to welcome them to Origin and look forward to building the next chapter together.”