We are a diverse group of built environment professionals based in Gloucestershire. We’re forming a steering group to provide networking, career support and CPD opportunities for young planners in our area.

Our events will likely be a mixture of in person and online and we hope to host some of these alongside other property and planning professionals from across the South West.

We cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. If you are from any of these areas and you are starting out on your planning journey or you completed your planning degree less than 10 years ago and would like to get involved, please get in touch. We welcome anyone studying or working in planning (in public or private practice).

We look forward to meeting you at an event soon. If you are interested in getting more involved with event planning and representing the needs of Young Planners in the area then please complete an registration form..

Recent Events

Strategic Planning in Gloucestershire 

With the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 heralding the return of sub-regional strategic planning through the introduction of Spatial Development Strategies (SDS), and the current geo-political context highlighting the need for a strategic approach to issues such as energy and minerals supply, Gloucestershire Young Planners hosted the event ‘Strategic Planning in Gloucestershire’ at Patch at The Forum in Gloucester on Tuesday 2nd June.
 
This sold-out event brought together a varied and highly knowledgeable line-up of speakers, ensuring attendees left with a holistic understanding of the topic area.
 
Jane McDermott (Gloucestershire County Council) and Victoria Robinson (West of England Combined Authority) opened proceedings with an insight into the unique challenges and opportunities of SDS creation in the respective Strategic Authority structures of two-tier county authority and Combined Authority. 
 
Matthew Tucker from Burges Salmon then gave an informative talk on the legal framework supporting the upcoming changes, and provided excellent advice as to where attendees should direct their enquiries about SDS creation as we await the adoption of secondary legislation.  
 
After the break, Mike Glaze from the event’s sponsors Rappor highlighted the need for a strategic approach to infrastructure provision to unlock growth and development opportunities and successfully address cross-boundary infrastructure issues.
 
The next two speakers focused on the perennial and much-publicised issue of housing allocation, with Mike Evemy, leader of Cotswold District Council (CDC) talking on the approach CDC is taking in this area, and Demelza Jones presenting research on the difficulties in delivering rural housing.
 
With SDSs now tasked with ‘taking account’ of Local Nature Recovery Strategies, Sofie Borek, GGC’s Local Nature Recovery Officer closed the morning talks with a useful talk and demonstration of the county’s LNRS and how it can be utilised strategically across the county.
 
After attendees and speakers exchanged ideas and conversation over a buffet lunch, a panel session with Jane McDermott, Matthew Tucker, Mike Glaze, Demelza Jones and Sofie Borek provided further focused discussion and questioning on topics such as the suitability of the upcoming changes to tackle strategic issues, nature recovery, housing provision, rural infrastructure challenges and final closing remarks, closing what was a highly informative and well attended event.
 
Gloucestershire Young Planners would like to thank all speakers, attendees and importantly, the event’s sponsors Rappor, without whom the event would not be possible. Gloucestershire Young Planners look forward to hosting their next event ‘Minerals planning in practice: Cotswold Lakes site tour and rafting’ on 16th July, which will showcase the lifecycle of a minerals planning application, with a raft-building social and networking session in the afternoon in the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds Water Park.

Funding infrastructure in Gloucestershire – S106 and CIL in practice

Gloucestershire Young Planners held their first event of 2026 on Tuesday 2 February at HCR Law in Cheltenham. This successful event was well attended and brought together legal and public and private sector planning expertise to provide an informative insight into the world of s106 and CIL agreements.  

After fueling with a generous provision of pastries and coffee, attendees were introduced to Gareth Davies of HCR Law, who began by providing an overview of the legal background of s106 and CIL agreements. This was followed by Liz Shield MRTPI who focused on the useful administrative elements for exemptions and completing CIL forms. Mark Godson of SF Planning looked at Infrastructure Funding Statements and Council charging statements, whilst Sarah Screen was able to build upon this from the perspective of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic and Local Plan. After a series of excellent question and answers, time was given for general discussion for all attendees.

Thanks must go to Liz Shield for the hard work she provided in ensuring this event was a success.
Gloucestershire Young Planners now look forward to their next event on 11th March on developing public speaking, CV writing and ethics awareness skills.

RTPI & CIOB Gloucestershire joint Christmas quiz 2025

On 27 November 2025, the RTPI Gloucestershire Young Planners and CIOB Gloucestershire joined forces to host our annual Christmas Quiz at Tailors in Cheltenham, bringing planning and construction professionals under one roof for a night of friendly competition, festive cheer, and valuable cross-sector networking.

The event welcomed 70+ attendees from a range of organisations across the built environment. The teams mixed planners and construction professionals from across the county, creating space for informal conversations and relationship building across disciplines, facilitating better projects and places.

A huge thank-you to our sponsors MKM and Rappor, and most importantly to all those across Gloucestershire who came along and got involved.  

We’re already looking forward to next year’s events.

Merry Christmas from RTPI Gloucestershire Young Planners.

Technology in Planning, 21 October 2025

"On 21st October, Gloucestershire Young Planners hosted their ‘Technology in Planning and the Built Environment’ event at HCR, Cheltenham.

Throughout the day, we explored how AI and emerging technologies are transforming the planning profession.

Sessions covered a range of topics, including a beginner’s guide to large language models (LLMs), the latest PINS guidance on AI, key ethical and legal considerations for planners when using AI, the use of interactive technologies and VR for community engagement, and the enduring importance of the human element and professional judgement in the planning system.

The event provided great insight into how planners can responsibly integrate AI into everyday practice while maintaining professional integrity and sound judgement.

There were also fantastic hands-on demonstrations showcasing how these technologies are already transforming planning in both the public and private sectors.

Our sincere thanks to the speakers for their insightful contributions, offering much to consider and learn from."  Liz Shield, Co Chair of Gloucestershire Young Planners

Forest of Dean, 9 September 2025

On the 9 September we held an activity and CPD day; ‘promoting tourism and protecting the environment’ in the Forest of Dean.

Firstly, we learned from speakers at Forest of Dean District Council about the proposed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for the Forest of Dean which it is hoped will create opportunities to enhance social, cultural and environmental activities in the area and promote economic growth through tourism, job creation and health and wellbeing. We also learned more about ecological sensitivities in the forest, focusing on particularly vulnerable species.

After the first set of talks, we split into two groups. The thrill seekers took on the treetop challenge at Go-ape and those looking for something a little calmer cycled the Colliers trail which runs along former railway lines showcasing the natural beauty of the forest alongside remnants of mining heritage.

Over a picnic lunch, SF Planning, our sponsors, led a talk on tourist accommodation discussing local and national policies, permitted development rights and a case study of accommodation at Elmore Court which supported a wedding venue. The talks all raised important points about balancing economic opportunity with ecological, heritage and landscape sensitivity.

After lunch, we participated in Go-ape’s trash free trails initiative; litter picking around Mallards Pike Lake.

The day was both enjoyable and informative. The beautiful Mallards Pike Lake provided a stunning backdrop for some interesting talks, exploration of the forest from different angles and some community action too.

Heritage on Tap, 17 July 2025

On the 17 July 2025, the Gloucestershire Young Planners hosted their innovative "Heritage on Tap" event, reviewing the issue of heritage conservation during a unique tour in and around Gloucester's historic pubs. The group was expertly guided by Kate Biggs from Gloucester City Council, Paul Jenkins from SF Planning, and knowledgeable pub landlords.

The walking tour took attendees through key heritage assets in Gloucester’s historic centre: including The Pelican Inn, The Dick Whittington, The Fleece Hotel, The New Inn, Robert Raikes's House, and Café René. Each stop unveiled unique planning and conservation challenges, enriched by the personal stories and historical insights shared by the landlords themselves.

The event highlighted the nuance and complexity of preserving historic assets amid modern economic pressures. The planners, council experts, and custodians of Gloucester’s most iconic spaces brought planning and Gloucester’s built heritage to life, offering attendees an insight into how planning policy, viability and heritage conservation intersect in practice.

Second Gloucester Walking Tour, 24 June 2025

On 24 June 2025, the Gloucestershire Young Planners hosted their second Gloucester Walking Tour, exploring the history and evolving relationship between the City Centre and the Docks.

Speakers provided interesting insights concerning the history of the city and the previous regeneration schemes which have shaped the city over the years, along with the varying challenges experienced by previous generations of planners. The tour explored some of the key placemaking challenges faced by the Council and how they are now being addressed.

The tour commenced at Greyfriars exploring the Council’s current plans for the potential regeneration of the space as well as some of the challenges, before moving onto Blackfriars and the history associated with this historic location. The tour also explored the triangle and the placemaking achieved here to link the Docks and City Centre as well as forming part of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine before exploring the newer Gloucester Food Dock development and Gloucester Quays, along with their associated impact to the city centre. The tour concluded by evaluating the final piece of the docks regeneration scheme associated with the new 14 storey apartment block recently approved and how this faced many challenges during the planning process, particularly relating to viability.

It was a great opportunity to see first-hand how placemaking, regeneration and heritage have united to shape the future of Gloucester.

Thank you to the following speakers for their engaging talk and discussions leading the event:

• Nick Croft from University of West England
• Nick Smith from Plymouth University
• Emily Gibbon from Gloucester BID
• Craig Casseley from Gloucester City Council Regeneration Team

Politics and Planning, 7 February 2025

Gloucestershire Young Planners kicked off the start of 2025 with a discussion event with Dev Comms on the 7 February about Politics and Planning.

How to achieve sustainable transport, 13 March 2025

On 13 March, Gloucestershire Young Planners, jointly with the University of Gloucestershire held a CPD session concerning how to achieve sustainable transport.

Speakers provided some interesting insights from several different perspectives. We heard more about sustainable communities in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire which placed rail travel at the heart of the development. Speakers discussed the vision led approach in the revised NPPF, and how they anticipate this may be interpreted in relation to residential and mixed use sites.

Also discussed was an extension to an existing community, which provided important sustainable transport infrastructure for the benefit of both future and existing residents. Planners gained useful tips on how to assess sites from the outset and build in sustainability from the initial stages of a project.

Attendees learned about the importance of community engagement and of building communities which are not only environmentally sustainable but genuinely work for its residents. Students from the university also provided some valuable insight into their research around sustainable transport planning.

 Christmas Quiz 2024

Gloucestershire Young Planners wrapped up 2024 with our much-anticipated Christmas Quiz at Bottle of Sauce in Cheltenham. Sponsored by Rappor, with prizes provided by SF Planning Limited, the event was filled with competitive spirits, festive cheer, and plenty of planning-related challenges. Attendees tested their knowledge with a mix of planning trivia, nostalgic GCSE geography questions, and even artistic sketches, all while sporting a variety of questionable Christmas jumpers!

The evening offered a perfect opportunity for young planners to network, build relationships, showcase their skills, and celebrate the year's achievements in a fun, relaxed setting. We’re excited for more opportunities in 2025 to connect, learn, and grow together as a vibrant group of planning professionals.

Well done to the team from Rappor who won 1^st place!