A town planner makes decisions about the best way to manage and develop towns, cities and the countryside. They must balance economic, social and environmental factors and can specialise in one particular area, such as transport, planning policy or conservation. They may be called planning officers.

The Work

You might carry out research and consult with experts to collect relevant information on:

• population growth rate and population dynamics (proportion of children to proportion of older people)
• housing needs and needs for services: schools, shops, leisure facilities
• transport requirements, both in terms of public transport and roads
• preservation of historic buildings
• impact on the environment: wildlife conservation, increased pollution, protection of areas of natural beauty
• requirement to pay compensation if carrying out compulsory purchase.

You could also be:

• using geographical information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) to produce plans
• carrying out public consultation activities
• assessing and making decisions on planning applications
• redesigning street and road layouts
• writing complex reports and policy documents
• providing advice on planning and legislation to colleagues and other professionals.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries are likely to be in the region of £20,000 to £22,000 a year, rising to around £35,000 a year with experience. Senior planners can earn up to about £45,000 a year and chief planning officers and heads of departments can earn £55,000 to £85,000 a year.

Conditions

• You will work mainly in an office.
• You will travel to go to meetings and visit sites.
• You will usually work normal hours, but there might be some evening and weekend work.

Getting In

For chartered status, town planners must follow one of the routes which the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) approves.

• The most direct route is to complete a relevant, accredited degree in town planning. See the RTPI website for a list of accredited courses. The usual entry requirement for a degree course is 4-5 Highers.
• You can complete a postgraduate course accredited by the RTPI if you have a non-accredited degree in a relevant subject, such as architecture, surveying, geography or environmental science.
• The Universities of Dundee, Glasgow and Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University offer accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• There are three routes available which are competency based. See the RTPI website for full details.
• You will need a driving licence to travel between site visits.

Most town planners still work for the local authorities and for other public bodies, such as urban development corporations, health authorities, tourist boards and environmental organisations. However a growing number of planners now work in the private sector, as consultants, or in research establishments.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

1608

0.6 %

RISE

2023

1617

  United Kingdom

2018

17800

2.9 %

RISE

2023

18323

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

• imagination and vision
• a good eye for detail
• an analytical and logical approach
• project management skills
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• good negotiating skills
• the ability to make fair judgements, even if unpopular
• the ability to work to deadlines while under pressure
• initiative and problem solving skills.

Training

• To become a chartered town planner you need to join the RTPI as a Licentiate member and complete a further two years’ practical experience on the job after you graduate. This is known as the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) pathway. There are three pathways: Licentiate, Associate and Experienced Practitioner.
• You have to keep a log book of work done, skills developed and your professional development plan.
• You must complete a written report on this experience to be assessed by the RTPI.
• As an RTPI member you are required to undertake 50 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every two years.

Getting On

• Assistant planners can move to senior planner after 3 to 5 years' experience. Progression may be quicker once you get Chartered status.
• You might move into consultancy work within the private sector.
• There are also opportunities to work overseas, particularly if you can speak a foreign language.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.