Rosie
- Job title
- Land and Planning Manager
- Job
- Town Planner
“I have always been interested in the built environment and the functionality of space within towns and cities. I love how buildings and places can stimulate our senses...”
- What does your department do?
The Land department are tasked with identifying land with the potential to obtain planning permission for new homes and the creation and enhancement of sustainable communities. This involves identifying new sites in areas where there is a shortage of homes available to the community and in areas where the impact of development on the environment would not be damaging.
My department is therefore responsible for acquiring housing land from landowners, land promoters and agents through legal agreements that then enable other departments in my company to operate in obtaining planning permission through the council, designing and eventually building the houses on site.
- What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
On a typical day I usually have a number of potential land opportunities to assess from a planning perspective. I need to look into any policy and environmental constraints that would affect development obtaining planning permission for example Greenbelt or flood risk. I also need to assess whether the land is suitably placed within a settlement to promote sustainable lifestyles and happy communities such as measuring distances to shops and schools so people have the option to walk rather than drive. I then need to understand whether the council have a Local Plan than is up-to-date and prepared positively top plan for the communities and new homes that are required. This involves putting together a planning strategy with a number of scenario’s and calculations which then justify why this land is suitable for new homes. My day can then involve either a site visit to check that the land is in a good location or a meeting with a landowner to discuss my company, our planning strategy for their land and timescales in obtaining planning permission.
- What do you like about what you do?
I love that I am so actively involved in a wider process that brings homes to people that need somewhere to live and in the places they want to live. So many people do not have this choice because housing delivery has not met housing need in past years.
I also really enjoy meeting landowners and interacting with a number of professionals in the development industry with creative and intelligent ideas for new development. The whole process of finding land and coming up with strategies for its promotion through the planning system is exciting with new things to learn everyday!
- Why did you choose this career?
I have always been interested in the built environment and the functionality of space within towns and cities. I love how buildings and places can stimulate our senses so I decided a career in planning would allow me to explore many avenues in the creation of communities and enhancement of the places we live in and love.
- What qualifications did you need to get this job?
I needed GCSE’s, A-levels and a degree in Town and Country Planning. I also undertook a Masters degree in Town Planning to further my career options.
- Is there any particular advice you would give to someone looking for a career in your area of work?
I would definitely encourage someone to get as much experience as possible, which I know is commonly encouraged. Rather than weeks and weeks at once particular company however (which is still worthwhile experience!) I think it’s really beneficial to get experience in both the public and private sector. Try your local council for development control or spatial planning experience. In the private sector, there is a range of opportunities in planning consultancies, house builders or even in specialist and technical consultancies such as ecology.
Questions & answers
I really enjoy up-cycling furniture, sourcing it from charity shops and car boots and transforming it with chalk paint.
I’m into rock music and classic rock mainly but I also really enjoy R&B and Indie music.
I’m not a huge film lover really but when I do I prefer comedy films and anything light hearted. Nothing scary for me! I did see Inside Out recently which I thought was brilliant.
Has to be the South of France, it always delivers the best of everything, food, wine, sun..did I mention food?
Sarah
- Job title
- Graduate Planner
- Job
- Town Planner
“I am constantly learning and evolving, and with my company and my teams support, I am actively pursuing my career goals.”
- What does your department do?
The Planning Department works closely with the Land Department by assisting in the procurement of potential development land through to obtaining the relevant planning permission to support a site through to delivery.
As such, my department also works alongside the other departments at my company, ensuring that sites are promoted through the LDF, planning permissions are sought, amendments applications are facilitated as required and conditions are discharged to allow construction to commence and units to be occupied.
- What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
My day-to-day role is varied; from identifying and appraising new strategic sites, preparing planning appraisals, undertaking background policy research, leading the discharge of planning conditions, progressing Reserved Matters and Full Planning Applications through to assisting team members with the progression of strategic portfolio sites.
- What do you like about what you do?
I work for a company with drive and ambition. The development sites and associated work are varied which allows me a broad insight into development and house building. I am encouraged to further my knowledge and understanding of the industry and have been supported extensively in progressing my path to becoming a chartered Town Planner. Within the two and a half years I have been here, the planning team has grown and will continue to do so as the company realises its ambitions for future success. I am constantly learning and evolving, and with my company and my teams support, I am actively pursuing my career goals.
Working for a house builder provides insight into all stages of house building from the procurement of land through to the conveyancing process. This makes the role varied and I really enjoy seeing these schemes progress from start to finish – we sit near the sales and marketing team so we even witness the sales of the new homes to the homeowners.
- Why did you choose this career?
After obtaining an undergraduate BA (Hons) Degree in Interior Architecture I began exploring opportunities to progress my career within the property and construction sector, but with a less specialised design focus. After researching various paths and opportunities I decided to pursue an MSc in Spatial Planning so I could progress a career in Town Planning. Planning would enable me the extended insight into many aspects of property and construction, allowing a wider understanding of the industry and more variety in day-to-day work.
- What qualifications did you need to get this job?
A Master’s Degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Is there any particular advice you would give to someone looking for a career in your area of work?
Do your research on the various career paths you could progress in Town Planning and tailor your CV and covering letter to suit the role. Remember you are a Graduate, you are not expected to have extensive practical knowledge of the industry however you need to demonstrate what you do know and be enthusiastic about learning new things and progressing your career.
The recruitment process for my role involved the completion of a set task to demonstrate competence rather than be solely assessed on previous experience. This provided an extremely valuable opportunity for someone like me, with minimal experience, to demonstrate my understanding of the sector. Be passionate and seize any opportunities to demonstrate why you have chosen this career over others.
Questions & answers
I like to maintain an active lifestyle and travel when possible.
Can’t go wrong with a Comedy, Bridesmaids is a particular favourite.
I have visited Nice, France on several occasions recently - it’s easy to get to and the town has the added benefit of a beach. Perfect for a long weekend!