Back to South West Young Planners

We have held a number of successful events in the South West including the following:

2011

Young Planners consider the future of planning (Mike Harris, South West Young Planners Steering Group Chair and regional rep)

The evening of 18 May saw over 60 young planners from the region gather at UWE in Bristol for what was the South West Young Planners Steering Group’s inaugural event. Planning…what next? sought to consider current developments in the industry and provide an invaluable opportunity for younger members of the profession to meet peers and catch up with old colleagues and friends.

Sir Mike Pitt (IPC/PINS) opened the evening with an interesting discussion on where the infrastructure industry is heading, highlighting the vast scale of proposals currently on the IPC’s books, both in monetary terms and, particularly, energy generation. He provided an insight into work to integrate The Planning Inspectorate and the IPC, highlighting the aim to create a body of planning expertise; to see this continue to be based in Bristol is something the region can be rightly proud of.

Simon Prescott (Barton Willmore) followed and let slip his (healthy) addiction to Parliament TV and the second reading of the Localism Bill (ongoing as we met). Simon’s synopsis of the Bill proved to be incredibly insightful of the changes coming and highlighted the scale of the task ahead for planners across both public and private sectors. Understanding these changes and being able to hit the ground running once the economy upturns will surely prove to be critical for all.

Following networking and the finishing of Tetlow King’s generous sponsorship (refreshments), Peter Goatley (No.5 Chambers) sought to disturb the younger members of the audience with some eclectic images of our favourite minister, all the while providing a fascinating take on the ongoing saga of CALA Homes and the great RSS challenge. Recent developments have seen this conclude (for now) but it highlights that despite Government’s intention, the RSS remains for a little while longer and further reminds us of the scale of the changes we face in the next year or so.

Finally, Janet Askew (UWE) provided the view of the education sector whilst introducing UWEs CPD offer, reminding the older young planners that UWE aren’t purely about initial planning education. Janet’s concluding remarks summed up the evening perfectly, reminding Young Planners that they truly are the future of the profession and should be proud to stand up for their chosen career and influence its direction.

All in all, it was a really interesting evening and feedback to date has proved to be very encouraging. The steering group are particularly pleased with the level of interest and enthusiasm displayed by delegates, further justifying the hard work put into organising and spurring us on to arrange further events.

Our next event (26 July 2011) is a study tour of Bath followed by drinks – more details to follow so keep an eye on, and joining our facebook site, linkedin and follow us on twitter @SWYoungPlanners. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please get in touch via ypsouthwest@gmail.com

2009

April: An informal gathering was held for Young Planners, Surveyors and Solicitors at the One Eyed Cat in Truro. Free food and drinks were on offer which helped ensure a turnout of 15 split equally between the three groups. Those who attended were primarily from Cornwall with some venturing over the border from Devon. It was good to see young professionals from different built environment disciplines interacting and forming relationships that will no doubt become important in helping shape their careers going forward.

2008

November: An event held at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol in relation to the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) process for Young Planners. The evening was well attended with approximately 50 young planners attending from both the public and private sector along with students from the University. An introduction and welcome was given by Janet Askew (Head of the Department of Planning and Architecture at UWE) whilst presentations were given by Jacqui Ward (Education and Projects Officer RTPI) on the formal APC process and by Adrian Fox and Pauline Tillett from Stride Treglown, who provided focussed on how the APC fits into the work place.

The evening was rounded off by Professor Katie Williams (Director of the Centre for Environment & Planning at UWE) who provided the attendees with a view on the research element to the world of planning. After which the attendees had a chance for some informal networking and discussion amongst themselves around their personal experiences.

July: Young Planners met Janet O'Neil, the RTPI President for 2008, for free informal drinks as part of her visit to the South West. The event was held at the Pitcher and Piano on the waterfront in Bristol.

July: An event was held in Poole, Dorset (in conjunction with the South Coast Young Planners Network (SCYPN). This consisted of a drinks reception followed by interesting discussions from both public and private sector speakers on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

April: An informal Networking Event held at the 'One Eyed Cat' in Truro, Cornwall, attended by approximately 20 Young Planners predominantly from the public sector. Free drinks were provided courtesy of the RTPI and Beach Baker Recruitment.

January: An evening CPD Event sponsored by Judd Farris at Rack’s Bar, Clifton, Bristol. The free event centred around ‘Major Development Schemes and Planning Protocol’ and speakers included Elliot Jones, Associate (Rapleys), Gary Collins, Major Scheme Co-ordination & Enforcement Area Services Manager (Bristol City Council) and Julian Harbottle, Head of the Development Team (Savills). Approximately 60 people from both the public and private sector were present and the presentations were followed by a free buffet and drinks.

2007

July: An evening event held at Foot Ansteys offices in Exeter was attended by approximately 60 people and included an element of CPD with presentations from Karen Trickey (Foot Anstey), Ian Awcock (WSP) and Bernie Foulkes (LDA Design). The presentations were varied and informative, providing legal updates, outlining the new Manual for Streets and discussing Masterplanning using Millbay in Plymouth as the main case study. Following the presentations, delegates moved to a nearby Wine Bar where free drinks and nibbles were provided.

April: An informal Networking Event sponsored by AndersElite held in the Berkeley Square Hotel, Bristol, attended by approximately 20 Young Planners from the public and private sector. Free drinks were provided as well as live music!

March: An evening event held Bristol providing an overview of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West and Tests of Soundness. This was a successful event with approximately 50 people attending the event which included refreshments in the Arup office atrium and presentations by Dr. Geoff Walker (UWE, Bristol) and Chris Stratford (Arup).

Author:

Trish Cookson

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

13-Jun-11

Categories:

 

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