Rob Hopwood

Rob’s infectious energy has driven two decades of planning success for promoters, developers and landowners across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.

As someone who helped to secure planning permission for the world’s largest microchip manufacturer in record-breaking time, and who was streamed live on Bangladeshi TV for a uniquely community-focussed and award-winning project.

Rob is an energetic people-person who always strives to deliver.

Clients rely on him to oversee multiple sites and large multi-disciplinary project teams because his positive energy brings people together and makes things happen. He leads Bidwells’ Oxford to Cambridge Arc team and advises clients on development opportunities and planning strategy across this nationally important growth corridor.

Rob has a rock-solid knowledge of local government procedures and hierarchies, having worked in a few himself, which means he connects at all levels with the right people at the right time.

Sustainable development is more important than ever to Rob, who promotes cutting-edge innovation in planning for a green economic recovery.

Rob is MRTPI accredited.

"Bidwells has exceeded themselves; this is going to be a hard act to follow."

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Planning

Develop winning planning strategies that deliver successful projects

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Planning Consultancy

Comprehensive planning strategy and submission advice - tailored to your site and your objectives.

Our insights

Insights 09.11.26

"Infrastructure-first growth." The Government has used those words to justify a Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge from day one. The Budget has now put money behind them. The question is no longer whether Cambridge will plan big, but who holds the power when it does.

What the Autumn Budget means for the Cambridge Development Corporation and the Mayor

Insights 02.02.26

The December 2025 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published on 17 December, represents more than a routine policy refresh.

NPPF December 2025: What the Latest Reforms Mean for Landowners

Image of Kingston_Trumpington_Meadows_And_Cambridge_Street_Scenes_1_230421 40 (1) (2)

Insights 13.02.25

Experts from our Planning and Residential Development teams discuss changes to both the NPPF and NPF4, affecting planning and development across England & Scotland.

NPPF and NPF4: opportunities and challenges for landowners

Insights 04.12.23

Planning Partner and Lead on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Rob Hopwood, comments on the planning system and its effect on Cambridge's development. This piece was first seen in React News.

Will development corporations deliver big for Cambridge?

Report 10.01.23

Legacy development focuses on preserving and enhancing the natural environment for future generations. It is an increasingly popular approach to creating sustainable, livable communities that benefit the people within them and the surrounding environment.

Consider joining the Landowner-Led Legacy Development

Insights 17.11.22

Today’s Budget saw the Government recommitting to its innovation agenda after Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, announced that public funding for R&D (research and development) will increase to £20bn by 2024/5.

Innovation can light the way through the dark economic tunnel the UK is entering today

Insights 31.03.22

Landowners may live with the consequences of their development decisions for years to come.

Legacy Development Q&A

legacy - Rural Outlook 24pp brochure 2021

Blog 17.01.22

Your site has development potential, but where to start? Two of Bidwells’ development experts answer the typical questions to consider from a landowner’s perspective.

Your site has legacy development potential, but where to start?