Community planner

Community planners liaise with the community affected by a planning proposal.

They might be called on to advise a group of travellers on planning issues around the development of permanent caravan sites, or work with a community that wants to stop a major road being built.

Did you know?
Where once almost all trainee planners took up posts with local authorities, now 40% leave planning school and go into the private sector.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Around £20,000

  • Senior level salary:

    Up to £40,000, although this is expected to increase greatly as private developers recruit more specialist staff.

  • Education:

    An accredited degree is recommended but people enter community planning with many different first degrees

  • Skills:

    Community planners must be fully qualified chartered town planners with experience of working in a local authority on planning and development control.

  • Likely employer type:

    Planning Aid, local authorities, large developers

  • Opportunities:

    This job is in its infancy, and the RTPI believes there are only a 'handful' of posts vacant at this time, but it is expected there will be rapid growth, especially in the private sector.

  • Number of professionals:

    Planning Aid employs 60 and there may be a further 20-30 community planners in the local government and private sectors.

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