Congratulations to Clara Peirson, crowned Young Planner of the Year at the RTPI East of England Planning Excellence Awards 2026.

Clara Peirson, in her role within the Energy Projects team at East Suffolk Council, was awarded Young Planner of the Year, having demonstrated an exceptional blend of professionalism, dedication and rapid progression.

She stood out through her collaborative approach, positive attitude and enthusiasm for tackling large and complex Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Clara has quickly built a strong foundation in planning policy and applies it with precision across challenging workstreams, taking on significant responsibility within a major energy projects team.

Her contribution to project examinations, her meticulous handling of legally sensitive documentation, and her ability to manage high-pressure workloads have all deeply impressed both colleagues and judges. She shows a clear commitment to professional development, actively broadening her knowledge through CPD and championing the profession by engaging with students and schools.

Modest yet confident, highly capable yet still early in her career, Clara represents the very best of the next generation of planners.