OUR STORY
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND WHARFE
At Wharfe Rural Planning, we’re more than a consultancy. We’re a team of people who care
about land, place, and the people who call the countryside home. This is who we are – and
why we do what we do.
“We believe the countryside deserves thoughtful development - not imposed, but imagined, guided, and grounded in care.”
BEN WHARFE
OUR STORY
Wharfe Rural Planning was born from lived experience – not theory. Our founder, Ben Wharfe, grew up on a family farm and faced the challenges of securing planning permission for his own rural enterprise firsthand.
The process was long, emotional and complex and it revealed how difficult the planning system can be for people simply trying to build a livelihood in the countryside. Wharfe Rural Planning exists to make that journey clearer, fairer and more human.
Today, our team brings the same integrity, care and practical expertise to every project – helping landowners, farmers and rural businesses unlock potential while protecting the places they love.
WHAT DRIVES US / OUR WHY
We exist to help people shaped by land — whether they own it, farm it, invest in it, build on it, or live in it. Time and hope ought not to be wasted in doubt or complexity.
We believe in clarity, in doing what we say, and in caring for people, not just processes.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team brings together people from a wide range of professional backgrounds – from local government and commercial development to land promotion, architecture, land agency, telecoms, and agriculture. Others have joined us from surveying, planning consultancy, and international property investment.
It’s this mix of perspectives and technical qualifications that gives us such a rounded understanding of how planning really works – and means you don’t need a rural or traditional planning background to thrive here. What matters most is curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to helping people achieve what’s possible.
OUR CULTURE IN ACTION
We uphold values like;
EXCELLENCE
We are committed to consistently delivering exceptional results.
Dedication
We say what we are going to do, we do it, we keep our word – no
surprises.
INNOVATION
We are relentless in our drive for perfection.
TRUST
We live and breathe by our word
HERE’S WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH US…
“The Wharfe Rural Planning team took the time to listen … their professionalism and level of service was second to none.”
GARRY ROBINSON
“WRP got to know the site really well … customer service was great, I felt totally included throughout.”
DAVE LEIGH
BE PART OF THE STORY
We’re growing – and we’d love to bring more people into this mission.
If you’re someone who thrives on problem-solving, is passionate about helping people and values independence wrapped in support, this could be the place for you.
We’re more than a consultancy – we’re a collective of people who care deeply about what we do and the difference it makes. If you want to do work that matters and take pride in delivering on our promises to clients and to each other, this could be the place for you.
Become part of the mission…
MENU
