A town planner does what it says on the tin - they will manage the construction, regeneration and development of cities, towns, villages and the countryside.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Town planner do?

Day-to-day tasks of a town planner will include:

Creating planning solutions to satisfy clients
Consulting with stakeholders and other parties
Negotiating with developments and architects
Assessing planning applications
Keeping up to date with legislation on land use
Promoting environmental education
Writing reports and keeping atop of bureaucratic work

What skills and interests should an Town planner have?

As a town planner, you will need to have the following skills:

Creativity and problem-solving skills
Flexibility, initiative and innovative ideas
Good communication skills
Good negotiation skills
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Project-management skills
Self-motivation

What hours does a Town planner typically do?

A town planner will typically work between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, however more senior positions will require additional time commitments.

What environment is a Town planner based in?

In an office.

How much does a Town planner travel?

The work is largely office based, but you may spend some time making site visits, attending conferences and meeting clients.

How much does a Town planner get paid?

Starting salaries are typically in the range of £18,000 to £25,000 per annum, although with experience and promotions you can earn up to £100,000.

Perks & benefits

You may be able to become self-employed and take on freelance work with experience, or focus on a specialist area of the sector. Jobs are frequently available throughout the country; it is not essential to live in one area in order to have success. You may be able to move between local authorities if so desired.

What qualifications does a Town planner need?

To become a chartered town planner, you will need to complete a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited degree, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, completing either a combined qualification or a spatial qualification and a specialist qualification.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Degrees in the following subjects will be beneficial to your application:

Architecture or Landscape Architecture/Design
Ecology and Environment
Economics
Engineering
Geography
Law
Politics, government or public administration
Transportation
Urban Studies/Built Environment