Town planning support staff work for a number of agencies including local authorities, independent planning consultancies, government departments and private companies.

They assist in the planning application process and can be involved in a variety of duties, including:

Administrative work – preparation of literature for internal and external publications; compiling minutes of meetings; management of technical libraries, filing systems and databases; recording progress and outcomes of planning applications; retrieving information and data required by planners for a particular application; organising public meetings; frontline support work with the public, advising on application procedures and dealing with straightforward queries.

Enforcement work – liaising with individuals, organisations and developers to ensure compliance with any conditions attached to their planning applications. This may involve gathering information and data with a view to using it as evidence should disputes arise. The role also involves presenting reports on breaches to planning committees or, where necessary, to magistrates and judges. Tact and diplomacy are essential for this role.

Technical work – support staff may also work as planning technicians, assisting with the application process. This can include compiling data by attending public meetings or carrying out surveys, for example, traffic impact assessments; drawing up designs using computer-aided design (CAD) software; building and maintaining databases, holding information relating to applications; putting together presentations for committee meetings; advising on minor planning applications.

With experience, some supervisory duties may be coupled with the role.

Hours and Environment

Town planning support staff normally work office hours, Monday to Friday, with part-time and flexi-time arrangements becoming increasingly common.

Work is usually office-based but may involve accompanying town planners to site visits, meetings and conferences.

Skills and Interests

To work in town planning support, you should:

• have some knowledge of technical drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), desktop publishing or common office software
• have some knowledge of local and national planning regulations
• have good numeracy skills for data handling
• be able to understand technical drawings and maps
• have strong communication skills, verbally and in writing
• be well organised
• be able to deal calmly and objectively with clients
• be able to work independently as well as part of a team
• be accurate and methodical
• have good administrative skills
• have good customer care skills.

Entry

There are no set formal qualifications for this type of role, as each employer will have different requirements. However, most employers are likely to ask for some GCSEs/S grades or A levels/H grades in subjects such as maths, English, geography, IT or economics, or equivalent qualifications.

Qualifications and/or experience in related areas, for example surveying, CAD design, construction, information management, administration or law may also be acceptable for entry into this role.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland have full details of careers in this field. LG Careers also has details of this role within local government. See Further Information for contacts.

Training

Training is usually delivered by employers, often coupled with study towards NVQ/SVQ in Town Planning Support Level 3 and Town Planning at Level 4. This is available part-time and via distance learning.

The NVQ/SVQ contains optional units depending on your type of work. These include:

• Administration
• Technical
• Enforcement
• Development Control
• General.

You can qualify for technical membership of the RTPI by holding a qualification at level 3 or higher and completion of at least two years' relevant work experience. Contact the RTPI and RTPI in Scotland for more details.

Opportunities

The majority of town planning support staff are employed by local authorities and consultancies. Some large firms such as house-builders, supermarkets and utility companies also employ support staff to assist in their planning departments.

Progression is normally to team leader roles or technician level. With further study, it may be possible to become a fully qualified town planner. See the profile for Town Planner.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Income for new entrants is between £14,000 and £18,000 a year.
Experienced support staff earn between £18,500 and £23,000.
Qualified technical staff with supervisory duties can earn up to £28,000.

Further information

41 Botolph Lane
London
EC3R 8DL
Tel: 020 7929 9494 57 Melville Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7HL
Tel: 0131 226 1959