Town Planner
Town planning is about managing and developing urban areas in order to best serve present and future generations.
Planners contribute to work in housing, conservation, economic development, environmental education, recreation, sport, tourism, transportation, and community development.
Planners assess local applications for new buildings or changes of use to existing buildings, and check the implications of such developments. The planner’s job is to analyse and understand conflicting demands and to advise on the best options.
Strategic planning sets out a framework of policies to guide future development. Other policies seek to protect areas of historic or wildlife importance, guide tourism or shopping developments. Planners must regularly review and update these policies.
Planners can specialise in urban design, environmental sciences, social issues, management, development, and related fields. There are also support roles for administrators, enforcement officers and planning technicians.
The skills and experience you need
You need academic training to meet the membership criteria of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Many universities offer accredited courses, including spatial and specialist planning courses.
The standard route into the profession is three years of undergraduate study followed by one year’s postgraduate study, leading to a diploma or master’s degree.
After finishing their studies, graduates undertake two years of experience culminating in a written assessment known as the Assessment of Professional Competence. The work that leads to this assessment includes the support of a mentor, completion of a work record, and maintaining a professional development plan, which highlights achievements and sets targets for the future.
Once the assessment is passed, graduates qualify for membership of the RTPI, allowing them to describe themselves as chartered town planners.
Likely types of employer
- Most planners work for local authorities and government offices
- Planning consultants
- Large development companies
Salary ranges
The average salary for a young planner is £24,000. For a principal planning officer or team leader, this rises to £35,000.
Senior development managers receive £45,000. At the top of the scale, a regional project director might earn £80,000.
More information
- Find out more about careers in planning and download a brochure on the profession from the Royal Town Planning Institute, which also has a full list of accredited university courses
- Careers information on the built environment, including hints and tips on finding your dream job - www.findyourway.co.uk
Watch a planner's video diary at Ask: what if?
