Bristol Young Planners started in 2011 as the original only South West Young Planners group (we now have 5) and have since gone from strength to strength organising activities and events for Young Planners based in or nearby to Bristol. Annual event favourites are the annual Jane Jacobs walk in May, the Boat Social in June and Scavenger Hunt in September. Plus the many other social and CPD events held in the year.
We are always open to welcome new members onto the steering group, as long as you are happy to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in with ideas and helping to organise an event, we would be delighted for you to join.
If you are interested in getting involved and helping your local group organise events and opportunities please complete an registration form..
Join us at the next Young Planner event in the South West
Recent events
30 April - The importance of socio-economics in planning
The Bristol Young Planners hosted Dr Gareth Jones and Isabel Compton from Hardisty Jones for an event exploring the growing importance of socio-economics in planning.
The discussion highlighted how economic growth has become one of the Government’s primary objectives, and how planning reform through the National Planning Policy Framework is evolving to reflect these priorities. The session also examined how socio-economic evidence can be effectively used to support both plan-making and decision-making, before concluding with a lively question session.
Many thanks to our speakers for sharing their insights, and to JLL for generously providing the venue.
3 March 2026 - Spatial Development Strategies
The Bristol Young Planners hosted a lively panel event on the Spatial Development Strategies at Design West on Tuesday 3rd March. The wonderful panellists were: Alex Cobb (Head of Place Strategy at WECA), Brian Glasson (Service Director for Planning at South Gloucestershire Council), Paul Connelly (Director at LDA Design) and Simone Wilding (Chief Planner at Bristol City Council). They gave loads of brilliant insight on how the authorities are working together to grasp the opportunities of strategic planning for the West of England (and overcome the challenges!), and there was lots of discussion around the purpose and aims of the SDS'. There was a consensus around a need for an outcomes approach and thinking beyond housing delivery to achieve the best outcomes for the region. Thanks to our panellists for such an engaging discussion and to everyone who attended".
Christmas Quiz on 27 November 2025
Bristol Young Planners hosted the annual Christmas Quiz on 27 November 2025 at the Royal Navy Volunteer, kicking off the festive season in style.
The event welcomed over 40 attendees representing a wide range of companies and disciplines from across the local area. Teams competed for the coveted prizes while enjoying the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded professionals in a welcoming setting.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success, as well as to the Royal Navy Volunteer for providing an excellent venue and catering.
Boat Social, 20 August 2025
The RTPI Bristol Young Planners held their annual networking Boat Social with a cruise through Bristol’s historic Harbourside, connecting with fellow planners, and enjoying a relaxed evening of networking, drinks, and pizza.
With thanks to sponsorship from KAP Recruitment Ltd
Quiz Night, 21 November 2024
Bristol Young Planners finished 2024 with the annual favourite Christmas Quiz at King Street Brew House. The venue was packed, and the drinks were flowing, as the attendees eagerly awaited the questions and the chance to win prizes and bragging rights. The hosts tested the young planners on their cultural, planning trivia and local knowledge, all whilst drawing a picture of their favourite pub for extra points!
The evening provided a great atmosphere to celebrate this year’s achievements and to showcase quizzing skills, alongside seeing new and old faces. Bristol Young Planners look forward to hosting the event again next year, and a packed schedule of events throughout 2025.
A big thank you to Rappor for sponsoring the event and well done to the winners!
Design Codes, 15 October 2024
The RTPI Bristol Young Planners hosted a CPD event on Design Codes at Design West, Bristol on 15th October. Four excellent speakers - Holly Lang (Office for Place), Nittin Bhasin (Bristol City Council), Catherine Ham (LDA Design) and Eve Murzyn (HTA Design) - presented their perspective on design codes, covering from the national to the local perspective. We heard about the Office for Place's work on Pathfinders, how Bristol City Council work with developers and consultants on design codes and exemplar design codes being produced by local authorities across the country. It was a lively discussion with lots of audience questions about the role of design codes in placemaking and the likely effects of evolving planning policy on design coding. Thank you to our wonderful speakers and we hope to host a follow up event in the future!