Skill Profile
Planning
"Navigating the statutory town planning system — preparing, submitting, and managing planning applications and appeals in accordance with policy."
YOUR SKILLS
Problems This Skill Solves
- A developer needs planning permission for a sensitive site — expert planning advice shapes the application to address anticipated objections
- A planning application is refused — appeal expertise recovers development value that appeared lost
- A construction project starts without planning permission for a change — enforcement response requires rapid planning application submission
"If something is in the local plan, it will automatically get planning permission."
An allocated site still requires a full application demonstrating design quality, infrastructure delivery, and policy compliance. Allocation enables the principle — it doesn't guarantee approval.
"You can handle your own planning application without a professional."
For simple applications this may be true. For anything complex — major development, conservation areas, greenbelt — professional advice significantly improves the probability of success.
Research & Outlook
Planning reform is increasing the complexity and pace of the planning system, raising demand for skilled planners.
See This Skill In Action
Watch a professional demonstrate Planning in a real working environment — what it looks like, how it's applied, and why it matters.
Regulatory / Professional
Planning
Connected Skills
Growth Path
Understands the statutory planning process and can prepare supporting documents for simple planning applications under supervision.
Manages planning applications independently from pre-application through to decision, advises clients on risk, and responds to officer queries.
Leads complex major applications, manages planning appeals, advises at the local plan examination stage, and shapes planning strategy for large-scale development programmes.
How to Practise
- 1.Track a major planning application through the system from submission to decision — read the committee report and officer recommendation
- 2.Prepare a draft planning statement for a hypothetical application against local plan policy
- 3.Complete RTPI-accredited planning education and supervised professional practice (APC)
How to Prove
- ·RTPI membership (MRTPI) demonstrating planning system competency
- ·History of planning applications submitted, approved, or successfully appealed
- ·Committee reports presented or contributed to on behalf of a planning authority or consultancy