Day in the life of a local authority planner

What to expect:

This event is the first in a new series exploring the wide range of roles planners undertake across different sectors, starting with a focus on local planning authorities.
It offers a practical insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of planners working within local authorities. Whether you work in the public or private sector, the event provides an opportunity to build your understanding of how local planning functions operate, while connecting with peers from across the profession.

The day will include a series of interactive workshop sessions covering key areas of practice, including policy, development management, urban design, landscape and enforcement. These sessions will be complemented by a site visit to two new developments in Ipswich, providing the opportunity to apply learning in a real-world context.

What you'll gain:

• Gain a practical understanding of how local authority planning teams operate across development management, policy, enforcement, urban design and landscape.
  
  
• Understand the key responsibilities and workflows involved in each discipline, including how different services collaborate.
  
  
• Experience planning in context through an interactive workshop programme, including a site visit.
  
  
• Improve confidence in navigating local authority career pathways by providing clear insight into the skills and expectations for different roles.
  
  
• Build connections with local authority officers and widen their professional network in a supportive, informal setting.
  
  
• Recognise the value of cross-disciplinary working and how these roles contribute to delivering good planning outcomes for communities.
  
  
• Gain awareness of recruitment routes, early-career opportunities, and the variety of pathways available in local government planning.

Catering:

Please note that catering will not be provided at this event. Attendees will need to bring their own food, snacks and refreshments. Drinking water will be available on site, and reusable bottles can be refilled throughout the day.

This event is eligible for up to four hours of CPD and covers the following subjects from the core CPD framework:

• Planning law and process 
• Placemaking and design

Getting to the venue

By train: a short walk from Ipswich Railway Station, located on Burrell Road (IP2 8AL), which offers step‑free access, ticket facilities, waiting rooms, and taxi ranks.

By bus: several bus routes stop within a few minutes’ walk of Portman Road, with the closest stops on Princes Street at St Clare House or outside the fire station, served by routes 66, 66A, and the Ipswich Park & Ride service.

By car: parking near the stadium is limited, so visitors are advised to use the Ipswich Park & Ride site on London Road (postcode IP8 3TQ) at the A12/A14 junction, with buses running every 20 minutes for daytime kick‑offs

By taxi: Taxis are available at the rank outside Ipswich Railway Station.

Before you set off, it's worth checking for any updates – e.g. ongoing roadworks in the area that might affect your journey.

Access and inclusion

We're committed to making sure everyone has a great experience at our events. Once you've booked, we'll get in touch to discuss any access needs or requirements you may have. There will be some walking during the site visit, so please wear comfortable shoes.

If you have any questions in the meantime, just contact fay.benton@rtpi.org.uk  – we're here to help.

Tickets

If you wish to make a group booking, please contact fay.benton@rtpi.org.uk