town planner

Town planner : Job description

Planners are involved in making long and short-term decisions about the management and development of cities, town, 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.

Planners are at the heart of regeneration within towns and cities, taking into account the often competing views of business and local communities. In rural areas they must ensure that development is sustainable, and that the right balance of development is achieved to preserve the countryside. 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. In general, key planning activities include:

• developing creative and original planning solutions to satisfy all parties;
• consulting with stakeholders and other interested parties and negotiating with developers and other professionals, such as surveyors and architects;
• assessing planning applications and enforcing and monitoring outcomes as necessary;
• researching and designing planning policies to guide development;
• researching and analysing data to help inform 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 appeals and at public inquiries;
• keeping up to date with legislation associated with land use;
• promoting environmental education and awareness, which may include 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.

• Range of typical starting salaries for newly qualified planners (graduate or assistant planners): £16,000 - £28,000. Members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)  (chartered planners) may start higher on the salary scale than non-members.
• Range of typical salaries for principal planners and team leaders: £29,000 - £45,000.
• In the public sector, chief planning officers, heads of departments and directors can earn between £55,000 and £80,000, and occasionally more.
• Public sector employment often includes a generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme. Other benefits may include essential car user allowances, flexible working hours, home-based working and job share and, in London, interest-free season ticket loans.
• Private sector pay is comparable with public sector pay. The private sector has greater flexibility to offer performance-related pay, profit share and other additional benefits, although annual leave entitlement and pension schemes may be less generous than in the public sector.
• Working hours vary according to the sector and work levels. Normal working hours apply (e.g. nine to five) in many cases. More senior positions require additional commitment. Flexitime is often available, particularly in the public sector. There may be considerable contact with the public, politicians and pressure groups, which may on occasion involve evening or weekend meetings.
• The work is largely office-based, but many planners make site visits, meet clients and attend external meetings.
• The male/female ratio is generally evenly balanced.
• Career breaks and job shares are possible.
• Self-employment or freelance work is an option for experienced planners. A specialism can help you stand out from competitors, although it is important to have a diverse client base to maximise opportunities for income.
• Jobs are available in most areas of the UK as every local authority employs planners. Planning consultancies are also located throughout the UK.
• Travel within a working day to meetings or site visits can form part of the job, but overnight absence from home is rarely necessary. Overseas work may be required occasionally with some consultancies.