"Winning Young Planner of the Year is an immense honour and I’m excited to champion and celebrate the outstanding contributions being made by other young planners across the institute. It was a privilege to be considered alongside so many high calibre finalists from across the UK. I thoroughly enjoyed the judging process which allowed me to reflect authentically on my career to date and share my genuine thoughts on the future of the profession."
Bart Shirm MRTPI, Senior Planning Policy Officer
Strategic Planning and Transportation, Directorate of Place, Sandwell MBC
Young Planner of the Year 2025
Stockport Council Winner of the Silver Jubilee Cup 2024
"We're absolutely thrilled to have won the prestigious RTPI Silver Jubilee Cup for Stockport Interchange. This project is at the heart of our ambitious plans to transform the town centre—bringing together better transport connections, improved accessibility, thoughtful place-making, and high-quality new homes, all while respecting Stockport’s heritage.
"Planners have been part of this journey from the very start, working closely with TFGM to put people and place-making at the forefront. What was once a vision for a world-class transport hub and vibrant public space is now a reality we're incredibly proud of—and we know our residents are too. This is regeneration at its very best."
Emma Curle Chief Planning Officer, Stockport Council Winner of the Silver Jubilee Cup 2024
"Becoming Young Planner of the Year 2023 and the subsequent opportunities that have opened up to network, engage and learn from some of the most influential leaders across the built environment have been phenomenal. To be recognised as an emerging leader in the planning world through thisacknowledgment has been a real boost to my professional confidence and my overall outlook on the breadth and scope of planning. It’s given me a mindset that anything is possible and that to deliver that anything, it really does take planners, and planners who have the ability to think big, bold and imagine the future we want for our society. The RTPI Planning Awards for Excellence are really just that and I recommend all young planners across the Country to be a part of them, just be prepared for the whirlwind that follows – good luck Fran!"
Josh Singh
Young Planner of the Year 2023
“Winning the award for Excellence in Planning for a successful economy is a welcome recognition of the role Planning played in the development of this scheme. The value added by the involvement of Planners from the inception of the project was key to its success and longevity and sets a standard and benchmark for future development in the area to meet. Winning the RTPI award will promote this to others.”
Judith Jones BA Hons Town & Country Planning, BTP, MRTPI, Cyfarwyddwr Gwasanaethau Cymdogaeth/ Director of Neighbourhood Services, Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Merthyr Tudful / Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Winner, Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy 2022
“Thank you to the RTPI and its Judges for selecting Leeds Skelton Lake Services as their winner for these awards. Spawforths, Extra MSA Group and their consultant team are ecstatic to have won the Regional Award for Planning Excellence earlier this year, and now the National Award for Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment with this project. This award recognises the efforts of everyone involved in delivering exceptional places. Spawforths were fortunate enough to be working for a forward-thinking client in Extra MSA Group and alongside an excellent group of professional consultants as well as Leeds planning authority.”
Jenny Ray, Senior Associate: Chartered Town Planner, Spawforths, Winner, Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment 2022