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Town Planning Support Staff

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

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Town planning support staff provide general or specialist support to town planners. Their work can include:

• gathering information from land and property files and plans
• updating and compiling land and property files
• advising members of the public on planning matters
• helping with minor planning applications
• helping to prepare plans
• collecting and analysing information
• setting up and maintaining databases
• carrying out surveys and presenting the data
• mapping and recording information
• making sure that developments have permission to go ahead
• checking that any conditions attached to permission for development have been met.

Support staff work standard office hours from Monday to Friday. They might have to attend occasional evening meetings. They are office based but may have to make site visits.

Salaries range from around £13,000 to £27,000 a year.

A town planning support worker should:

• have good numerical skills
• be able to work accurately within tight deadlines
• be able to give clear advice and explain technical issues simply
• be able to use computer databases and produce tables, maps and charts
• work well alone and as part of a team
• have an interest in the environment.

Most support staff work for local authorities. Others work for central government, consultancies, large firms, government agencies, and voluntary and environmental organisations. The number of people employed in town planning support is increasing.

Entry requirements vary, but most employers expect at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). A number of entrants have higher qualifications. There is no upper age limit for entry. Some employers prefer people with relevant experience, such as in design or surveying.

Town planning support staff may study part time for a recognised qualification. After gaining a qualification and at least two years' relevant work experience they can become Technical Members of The Royal Town Planning Institute.

It is possible to progress to supervisory and specialist roles. Planning support staff can also study and qualify to become town planners.

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