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Town Planner

Do you want to become a Town Planner? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Town planners prepare plans to shape the future of our towns, cities and rural areas. They prepare long-term plans, check new developments and advise government departments and local councillors.

Planning work is very varied, with projects ranging from a small house extension to an international airport. Some of their work is dealing with problems inherited from the past, such as outdated road systems. Some involves forecasting future trends, such as housing need.

They sometimes deal with very difficult situations and have to advise on issues that can make people upset or angry about decisions that affect their lives.

In a small office, planners may do a wide range of work. In a large office they are more likely to specialise. Their work can include:

• visiting sites to assess the effects of development on the surroundings
• collecting information and writing reports
• analysing data and preparing policies
• advising councillors and other decision makers
• presenting proposals at planning committees and public meetings
• negotiating between different interest groups that will be affected by changes.

Town planners usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, and may have to work some evenings. They are based in offices but may travel to attend meetings or visit sites.

Salaries range from around £16,000 a year for a newly-qualified planner, to over £60,000 for some chief officers in local government.

A town planner should:

• be committed to improving quality of life and the environment
• be capable of presenting proposals and dealing with people who may be angry or upset
• work well in a team
• have a strong interest in the environment.

Most planners work for local authorities and government departments. Others work for planning consultancies and large firms. There is a real shortage of town planners.

To qualify, people need a degree in town and country planning or urban planning that has been accredited by The Royal Town Planning Institute, or a degree in a different subject followed by a postgraduate course in planning. They also need at least two years' planning experience. There is no upper age limit for entry.

It is possible to progress to management or to move into related work, such as property development.

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