Emma is a Chartered Senior Planner at Lichfields, having joined in 2019 following the completion of her studies at St Andrews University and the University of Glasgow where she obtained a Master’s degree in City Planning and Real Estate Development. Emma’s primary focus is in the residential sector, but her experience covers a wide variety of projects including leisure, regeneration, and commercial. Emma is currently the Chair of the RTPI North East Young Planner’s Committee and a member of the RTPI NE Regional Activities and Policies Committee

Mollie has recently graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Planning (Honours) degree, specialising in urban conservation in her final year. Mollie is a Planner at ELG Planning and is currently working towards MRTPI accreditation.

Mollie has been a member of the RTPI NE Young Planners since June 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair.

Lucy is a Planner at Lichfields, having joined in 2023 following the completion of her Master’s degree in Urban Planning at Newcastle University. Prior to this, Lucy completed her undergraduate studies at Durham University where she studied Geography, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in 2022. Lucy has a particular focus and interest in town centre regeneration and the built historic environment. She has experience assisting in the preparation, submission and management of planning applications for a range of minor and major developments and has experience across a variety of sectors including retail, leisure, commercial, residential, healthcare and infrastructure. Lucy is currently Vice Chair of the RTPI North East Young Planners’ Committee.’

Dan is a recent graduate of the Master of Planning degree at Newcastle University, working in the Spatial Planning team at Gateshead Council. His current work includes contributing to the development of a new joint local plan with Newcastle City Council, specialising in areas such as employment, infrastructure, retail, leisure and tourism. Dan has been an RTPI student member since 2020, volunteering with the RAC and YP committee, and intend to begin the licentiate route in 2026. 

Liam has been a Planning Officer at North Yorkshire Council since July 2024, prior to this he was a Planning Officer within Gateshead Council, having been promoted from Student Planner in October 2023. He holds a masters degree in urban planning with green infrastructure. In his current role within the development management team, Liam works on a number of applications ranging from Householder and Listed Building Applications through to more complex majors including Residential Developments and Agricultural Developments involving Habitat Regulation Assessments and Environmental Impact Screening Assessments.

Liam joined the committee in 2023 and is currently working towards MRTPI Accreditation and is aiming to submit his APC in 2025.

Thea is a Graduate Planner at Savills, having joined in 2024 following the completion of her studies at Newcastle University, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Urban Planning. Prior to this, Thea completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Leeds, graduating with a BA in Spanish. At Savills, Thea has been involved in a variety of projects and assists with the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments. Thea is also actively working towards her APC to achieve MRTPI accreditation.

I am currently undertaking a year out placement with Hedley Planning Services as part of my Master of Planning (MPlan) Degree at Newcastle University. With the aim of becoming a Chartered Planner, I have been gaining experience on a wide range of projects, including wind turbines and residential developments, and different types of applications, such as Full, Reserved Matters and Certificates of Lawfulness. As a new member of the committee, I’m excited to bring fresh ideas, contribute to social events and bring plenty of enthusiasm. I am keen to work with schools to introduce the planning profession to younger people, expanding a great community of young planners in the North East

Ava is an Assistant Planner at DPP, having joined the company in 2023. She graduated from Newcastle University in 2023 with a BSc in Geography, followed by a Master’s degree in Urban Planning in 2024. Since joining DPP, Ava has contributed to a wide range of projects, with particular interest in school and healthcare development schemes. In 2025, Ava joined the RTPI North East Young Planners Committee and is currently working towards achieving MRTPI accreditation.’

Jonathan completed his MSc in Urban Planning at Newcastle University in 2022. He began his career with Fairhurst as a Graduate Planner and later joined Pegasus Group as a Town Planner in late 2024, becoming Chartered in early 2025. While he works across a wide range of projects, he specialises in residential development, particularly within the Green Belt, and has gained valuable public-sector experience through several secondments at Newcastle City Council. Parallel to his professional role, he is pursuing a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University, where his thesis explores the social sustainability of UK high streets and the role of local communities in shaping them.

Ellie is a second year Student at Newcastle University, studying MPlan Urban Planning. Ellie became President of the Urban Planning Society in 2025, which requires leading a team to offer a range of guest speakers/ workshops, social events, sport, and opportunities for students.

Ellie became a member of the RTPI NE Young Planners Committee in 2025.

Patrick Johnston has been a member of the Young Planners Committee since February 2019, where he also helped with the Young Planner’s conference.  Patrick previously worked for Newcastle City Council before moving to Persimmon PLC in August 2019. Through the pandemic years Patrick completed his APC and has been able to share some of this knowledge in NE APC webinars. He has also been involved in student events. In 2022 Patrick became Vice Chair, before becoming the NE YP Chair in January 2023.  His time as chair Patrick focused on student engagement in the Young Planners steering group to help secure the long-term sustainability and succession of the committee post-pandemic. 

Anna was recruited by Lichfields as a Planner in September 2024. Her current work includes assisting in the preparation, submission and management of planning applications in a variety of renewable energy, low carbon energy, and industrial schemes. She is currently working towards MRTPI accreditation.

Anna completed undergraduate studies in Geography and Planning BA (Hons) and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning at Newcastle University. While there, she was Social Secretary of the Urban Planning Society.

Anna became a member of the RTPI NE Young Planners Committee in 2026.