The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has opened entries for the 49th RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, celebrating the plans, projects, homes and people shaping better places and stronger communities across the world.
The 2026 awards feature 16 categories, recognising outstanding achievements completed between 2023 and 2025. For nearly five decades, the Awards have highlighted the individuals, teams and organisations driving positive change across economies, environments and communities.
What’s new for 2026
The 2026 awards will introduce a simpler application process and category changes, including:
- A more flexible online application platform, allowing submissions to be completed and updated at any time before the deadline
- A new ‘Homes’ category with three routes to entry, plus a new nations and regions award recognising the Best Homes and Communities Scheme
- Revised category names to ensure greater clarity and inclusivity
- An expanded range of categories, offering applicants more choice across 16 awards
- Refreshed branding and enhanced communications, providing more opportunities for promotion and recognition throughout the process
Applicants must get their entries in before 10 March 2026. Shortlisted entries will be considered for the national finalist list, with winners and commendations announced at the national awards ceremony in November 2026.