Winner - Rachel Blanchard, BCP Council
Rachel Blanchard is a Senior Planning Policy Officer at BCP Council and a Chartered Member of the RTPI. Specialising in Planning Policy, she has contributed to the development of several Local Plans.
As National Chair of the Young Planning Officers Society, she organises free CPD events and knowledge-sharing initiatives for local authority planners. She is also actively involved in Women in Planning and RTPI Planning Aid England, championing diversity and inclusion in the sector.
Rachel fosters professional development and promotes inclusive planning practices, ensuring a supportive network for young planners across the industry.
The judges said:
"In judging this entry, the judges were impressed with Rachel’s outstanding dedication to planning policy and her unwavering commitment to professional development. With a strong foundation in local and national policy, Rachel has led innovative projects such as stalled site strategies and demonstrated political awareness and leadership. Her voluntary work through Women in Planning, the Planning Officers Society, and community outreach shows remarkable enthusiasm and originality. Rachel’s focus on inclusivity, mentoring, and creating supportive networks for underrepresented groups makes her a standout role model. Her passion, drive, and collaborative spirit embody the very best of the planning profession and future leadership"
Commended - Elliot Dommet, Stantec
Elliot is an energetic planner with diverse planning and economic development expertise. His combination of expertise, technical proficiency, enthusiasm, and leadership translates into practical, outcome-focused planning advice - ensuring that the applications he works on are both robust and well-positioned for success. Elliot works with the Careers and Enterprise Company and many third sector organisations, schools, and colleges to promote working in the planning profession and leads local initiatives at Stantec to advocate for careers in planning. He consistently contributes to the RTPI's regional and Young Planner events, and chaired the Devon Cornwall and Somerset Young Planners in 2024.
The judges said:
In judging this entry, the judges were impressed with Elliot’s passion, originality, and commitment to planning. His broad experience in renewables, data centres, and economic development, alongside a strong grasp of policy, demonstrated depth and initiative. Setting up his own consultancy and extensive voluntary work, including RTPI roles and school outreach, highlight his leadership. Elliot is a standout role model and a worthy recipient of recognition.
Shortlisted - Harry Dent, WSP
Harry is a rising star in the infrastructure industry, contributing to thought leadership in infrastructure planning and delivering high-quality outputs on major infrastructure projects.
Harry utilises his skills as a planner to mediate expert input, while using his interest in policy reform to drive innovation within projects and the industry more widely.
This provides Harry with a unique set of skills and perspectives which he focuses to inspire his colleagues and drive forward expertise and innovation within the planning profession. Through his work on the NIPA Council and through the RTPI, he acts as an excellent ambassador to the profession.
The judges said:
"The judges were impressed with Harry’s expertise in major infrastructure planning and his role in shaping policy through NIPA. His leadership in knowledge-sharing initiatives and support for junior colleagues show strong professional values. His enthusiasm and achievements mark a promising and impactful early career, he is definitely an exemplary Young Planner."