08.11.2023
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On 8 November every year planners and communities all over the world come together to celebrate World Town Planning Day, and how good planning improves the lives of people and benefits society at large, creating places where to live, work and play together.
This year to mark the occasion we have asked three of our senior members of the team why they became planners and and why they think good planning matters.
Why did you want to become a Planner?
Like a lot of planners, I enjoyed geography. Planning provided an opportunity to apply that interest as well as learn about new areas. As a Planner we balance a number of considerations and in doing so is a gateway to gaining an understanding of a number of different disciplines, from ecology to heritage, from drainage to masterplanning.
Planning never stands still and whilst this can be frustrating, it provides a constant challenge and ability to learn new things along the way which makes it most interesting.
Why is the work planners do important?
Planning shapes where people live and work and the environment we experience, whether this be in the urban area or countryside. The decisions planners make influence the short and long-term future of an area, with the outcomes of those decisions lasting decades if not longer. The work planners do is therefore hugely important in shaping our day to day lives, helping make sure people have places to live and work and how we want to experience the places around us now and in the future.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Providing expert planning evidence at a Public Inquiry - I first gave evidence in respect of a refused application for an extra care development on an unallocated site. I was the planning agent throughout the application and Retirement Villages supported me in giving evidence although I had not done this before.
It can be difficult getting your first opportunity to give evidence and I was proud the client had the confidence in me to let me do. Working alongside Chris Young KC it was a great learning experience and huge personal achievement. We also won the Appeal.
Any advice for aspiring planners starting their careers?
Do not be put off from working in different areas of planning, just because you have not worked in that area before or on similar projects. Working in our profession provides the opportunity to experience different facets of planning and working in different areas will only help you in broadening your experience. We all have to learn and planning provides continuous chances for this.
Take as many opportunities as you can and do not be put off because you feel you lack the experience!
Why did you want to become a Planner?
I loved physical Geography at school and for A-level we did a module on Town Planning which sparked my interest. I am a bit of a maps geek and this suited me well. It was a decision between architecture and planning after A-levels, but I plumped for planning at Manchester University and never looked back.
Why is the work planners do important?
Land is finite and buildings can be around for a very long time (thousands of years in some cases) and planning plays a really important role in shaping the environment we live, work and play in. It plays such a crucial role now too in health and wellbeing.
Albeit not always positive, it is good for planning to actually be in the press and be politically debated which can only be good for raising its profile.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
I actually had the Dalai Lama write in support of one of my applications, faxed through from his office in India!
Any advice for aspiring planners starting their careers?
Volunteer for everything. Technology, emails, texts etc is great but there will never be a substitute for actually talking to people through face to face meetings and picking up the phone. Be a decent person to work for and with. People will not remember what you said, but will remember how you made them feel.
Why did you want to become a planner?
My Dad is a Chartered Surveyor, so this has naturally had an influence in my career. But I have always had a keen interest in planning and development – I remember being fascinated by a talk at my school from the London Legacy Development Corporation about the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park when it was under construction and the intended regeneration strategy post the Olympic games. I think I was sold from that point onwards!
Why is the work planners do important?
In a world that is constantly changing, planning is essential in balancing the social, economic, and environmental needs of both land and humans. Effective planning can provide a lasting environment for future generations to enjoy.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
I’ve had the privilege of working on so many wonderful projects where I’ve be proud to be part of a great team. But from a personal perspective, it has to be becoming a Chartered Surveyor and now helping colleagues to achieve that same milestone, to kick-start their own successful careers.
Any advice for aspiring planners starting their careers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself forward for different opportunities. There is so much to learn from colleagues and their different experiences. Commercial and market awareness is also absolutely key as this effects everything that we do in some way or another.
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