Here for every stage of your development.
Landscope offer soil science expertise which align with the practical demands of the planning system. Our focus now is to offer specialist guidance drawing on extensive knowledge across the full spectrum of land and planning considerations to provide expert services which stand up to scrutiny. Bridging the knowledge gap and turning soil science into smarter planning.
Our team, led by Technical Director Sam Franklin, applies decades of expertise across agriculture, policy and soil science. That insight remains a key part of how we analyse soil and water data and ensure it fits the bigger picture of development. Landscope has contributed to a significant proportion of the UK’s largest and most economically valuable development projects, and we take pride in continuing to support new schemes with the same level of rigour, reliability, and confidence that our clients have come to trust.
Sam Franklin BSc (Hons) MSc MRICS FAAV FBIAC PIEMA MISoilSci
Sam founded Landscope in 2001 and has since provided specialist advice to private clients, developers, government agencies and local authorities. With over 35 years of experience, he is a Member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists and a Life Member of the British Society of Soil Science. His expertise includes soil restoration, flood risk, drainage, land improvement, and Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) for infrastructure, development and renewable energy projects. He holds an MSc from Cranfield University and a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, and has extensive experience delivering technical training and on-farm guidance in soil and water management, land drainage and soil husbandry, both in the UK and internationally.
Sam is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, FAAV) and Fellow of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, with a strong track record across commercial and residential planning, compulsory purchase, major infrastructure schemes, renewable energy, minerals, land restoration, archaeological surveys and EIA. He has carried out Catchment Sensitive Farming work for Natural England and frequently acts as an agricultural and rural resource specialist at planning committees, NSIP examinations, public inquiries and hearings, supporting decision-making across southern, eastern and midland England.
Elaine Franklin BSc (Hons) MCIM
Elaine joined Landscope in 2012, bringing over 20 years of senior commercial experience in Marketing and Innovation, having previously worked at Board level for leading national brands such as Weetabix, Britvic Soft Drinks, United Biscuits, Whitworths and Tesco. With a degree in Agricultural Business Management from Wye College (London University) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (CIM), Elaine combines commercial insight with rural understanding to lead complex planning projects, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and deliver clear, outcome-focused solutions.
Elaine contributes significantly to Landscope’s strategic direction, advising clients on rural enterprise development, business diversification and growth planning. Her ability to translate innovation best practice into practical applications supports a wide range of rural ventures. With strong roots in the rural and equestrian sectors, she continues to engage with organisations such as the BHS, British Riding Clubs, British Eventing and the Bedfordshire Young Farmers Federation, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the rural community and its future.
Millie Alston
Millie is the newest member of the Landscope team and is responsible for all things admin and to keep the office running smoothly. Millie has a background in international logistics and marketing and has worked in offices for farms across the UK.
One thing about Millie is she always has a smile on her face, if you ever see her out at events make sure to say hi! She can also often be found out riding her horse on her lunch break and comes to work with her whippet Gin.
Jack Franklin
Jack has joined the team as Surveying Technician. He enjoys all things outdoors and is never happier than surveying land, vegetation and soils. With an early interest in Geography, the environment and business, he is developing his career with Landscope in our growing Land Classification and Soils practice. Jack has trained in Soils Evaluation with the British Society of Soil Science and continues to develop his knowledge in this area as well as other key land surveying skills at Landscope.
When not at work, Jack loves travel, music and his young Border Collie, Artemis (AKA ‘Arty’). Arty is also welcomed by Tiggy and Myrtle as a member of the ‘Landscope Pack’ in the office at Thorncote Green.
Myrtle & Tiggy
Myrtle joined the Landscope team in 2019 and takes her job as the office security manager very seriously, although generally prefers to be on-site rather than office based.
Tiggy joined as trainee paper shredder, but aspires to join Mrytle in Security very soon. She looks forward to accompanying Myrtle and Sam on site visits, when (if) she graduates in obedience.
