Planners make decisions about the management and development of cities, towns, villages and the countryside. They aim to balance the conflicting demands of housing, industrial development, agriculture, recreation, transport and the environment, in order to allow appropriate development to take place.
In towns and cities planners are at the heart of regeneration, taking into account the conflicting views of business and local communities. In rural areas they must ensure that development is sustainable, and that the countryside is preserved alongside development. The work of planners also makes a positive contribution to tackling the effects of climate change.
Typical work activities
Planning is a broad area of work that requires many different skills. Some planners specialise in a particular area of work, such as protecting the historical environment or urban design, while others work across a variety of areas.
In general, key planning activities include:
- Developing creative and original planning solutions to specifications;
- Consulting with stakeholders and negotiating with developers and professionals such as surveyors and architects;
- Assessing planning applications and enforcing and monitoring outcomes;
- Researching and designing planning policies to guide development;
- Researching and analysing data about strategic developments, such as increases in affordable housing provision;
- Designing layouts and drafting design statements;
- Using information technology systems such as CAD (computer-aided design) or GIS (geographical information systems);
- Attending and presenting at planning boards and public inquiries;
- Keeping up to date with legislation associated with land use;
- Promoting environmental education and awareness;
- Helping disadvantaged groups express their opinions about planning issues and proposals, and visiting sites to assess the effects of
- proposals on people or the environment;
- Scheduling available resources to meet planning targets;
- Writing reports, often of a complex nature, which make recommendations or explain detailed regulations - these reports may be for a range of groups, from borough councils to regional assemblies, or members of the public.
Town planners can specialise further into several areas:
- Transport planning
- Urban design
- Environmental planning
- Development management
- Regeneration
- Heritage and conservation
Town planners can become chartered town planners by completing relevant degrees and qualifications. This qualification gives you professional recognition.
Interested in a career in town planning?
More information
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