How to Be a Good Town Planner
17 Feb, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What skills make a good Town Planner.
- The role environmental awareness plays in making good Town Planners.
- Why it is important to be a good Town Planner.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
Possessing the right skills, experience, expertise and attitude are all essential for making a good Town Planner. Whether you’re new to the planning profession or you’re looking for ways to progress in your career, we’re uncovering which skills make a good Town Planner, the role environmental awareness plays in this and why it is important to be a good Town Planner.
What skills make a good Town Planner?
There are multiple important skills that make a good Town Planner and generally a combination of hard and soft skills are needed to excel in the sector. Desired skills for Town Planners can also be broken down into:
- Problem-solving skills.
- Technical skills.
- Communication skills.
Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is an essential skill within town planning as planning professionals can be faced with challenges throughout planning projects that they must overcome with as little disruption to a local community as possible.
Strategic thinking is essential for successful problem-solving and balancing sustainable practices alongside the requirement to enhance economic growth.
Effective skills in conflict resolution also enable Town Planners to handle disputes that may occur between local residents and developers. Should residents oppose plans to build on or change the way land is used in their local area, this can cause challenges for Town Planners.
Data analysis is also an important element of problem-solving and planning professionals can be responsible for analysing housing needs.
The ability to adapt to changing regulations and planning policies can also help with effective problem-solving skills.
Technical skills
Technical abilities are also essential for becoming a good Town Planner. Skills surrounding sustainable development and planning regulations are essential for demonstrating strong technical skills.
Town Planners who are proficient in GIS mapping and environmental analysis are able to help towns grow whilst ensuring that environmental awareness is at the core of decision-making.
Technical skills also encompass the ability to make data-driven and legally compliant decisions.
Communication skills
Communication skills are essential for being a good Town Planner as effective collaboration with local communities and stakeholders is paramount to the overall success of town planning.
Planning recruitment specialist, Josh Draycott, says, “Town Planners who can clearly communicate plans and proposals are sought after by local authorities and private planning organisations who are looking to build their team.”
The role environmental awareness plays in making good Town Planners
As the UK government works towards its net-zero by 2050 target, Town Planners play an increasingly important part in this and environmental awareness is essential for making a good Town Planner.
Ensuring urban development is sustainable and climate-resilient is important and the planning profession must ensure that all planning decisions are made with future generations in mind.
Good Town Planners will also consider the need for mitigating environmental risks like flooding or air pollution. Policies such as the National Planning Policy Framework must be enforced in order to ensure the sector adheres to sustainable practices throughout the UK.
Successful Town Planners and planning departments will also incorporate renewable energy solutions into their plans and provide opportunities for local communities to be less car-reliant.
Why is it important to be a good Town Planner?
Whether it’s to create sustainable, resilient communities or to excel during a job search, demonstrating your skills for being a good Town Planner is essential.
Whilst hiring managers look for those who can demonstrate the required skills and expertise, they will also be looking for compassionate, knowledgeable and driven professionals to join their teams and work on important planning projects throughout the UK.
Contact a town planning recruitment specialist
Josh Draycott is a dedicated private sector and local authority Town Planning recruitment specialist with a diverse background in recruitment.
With a strong focus on the planning industry, Josh recruits for a wide range of roles, including Town Planners, Policy Planners, Urban Planners, Development Management Planners and Directors of Planning. His expertise lies in sourcing both interim and permanent talent to meet the planning objectives of his clients.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next town planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Town planning recruitment services
As town planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
Josh has built long-standing, trusted relationships with numerous local council planning departments, delivering tailored recruitment solutions that address the dynamic and evolving demands of the town planning sector.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, get in touch with Josh Draycott on 01772 954200 to see how we can help.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
