We are proud to have recently celebrated over 1,000 members who have reached the remarkable milestone of 50 years or more with the RTPI. These members have played a vital role in shaping the planning profession and have helped build the successful organisation we know today. Their dedication and achievements stand as a legacy – offering both inspiration and motivation to the next generation of planners.
It is a privilege to share brief insights into some of their careers, and to extend thanks on behalf of the institution for their contributions:
Chris Clarke: Planning my purpose – a journey into the profession
I began my planning career without a formal degree in the subject, but with plenty of passion. After university, I was eager to start working, and Surrey County Council gave me that chance – taking me on as a trainee whilst I studied part-time. That unconventional route into planning made me especially passionate about diverse pathways into the profession.
Early in my career, I remained deeply involved with the RTPI, chairing the Public Relations Committee and later served as a Regeneration Manager for South Tyneside Council. In my final years of practice, I loved organising the regional RTPI awards – an uplifting reminder of how imaginative planning can transform places. I remain a firm believer in planning’s power to do good.
Trevor Croft
John Pybus: Still planning at 82: A lifelong commitment to place and purpose
I began my planning journey straight from school in 1961, rising through roles in several county councils before becoming a Chief Planning Officer – later Director of Planning – at Test Valley Borough Council. After retiring from local government in 1997, I moved into consultancy and served as a Planning Inspector, handling nearly 900 appeals over 12 years.
Throughout my career, I was active in national and regional planning bodies and had the honour of helping shape responses to government proposals on unitary local government in the 1980s. A career highlight was building a strong conservation team at Test Valley, growing our conservation area from six to 37.
Now 82, I am supposedly retired – but planning still dominates my thoughts. I stay engaged through reading, debate and conversations with former colleagues.
I remain deeply proud of this profession. A recent highlight was meeting RTPI President, Helen Fadipe and reflecting on the legacy of late friends. The RTPIs leadership today continues to raise the profile of planning, which gives me hope for the future.
Anthony Ingham
Philip Davy: 50 years with the RTPI: a planner’s journey through change
From hand-coloured maps and typing pools to smartphones, social media and the rise of AI – my 50 years as an RTPI member have spanned a period of extraordinary transformation in planning.
My interest began with school geography and the story of urban change through the industrial revolution. I trained at Cardiff in the late 60s, starting a career that took me from Reading to Devon, South Wales, and ultimately to Chief Planning Officer roles, before moving into economic development and large scale project management.
Throughout, my focus remained on delivering public benefit – whether through regeneration, creating new schools and council offices, or improving council housing. After leaving full-time local government in 2016, I continued to serve through voluntary roles and part-time work as a Town Clerk.
Planning today is more complex than ever, layered with legalisation. Yet the core purpose – creating better places for people – remains unchanged. The RTPI has been a constant throughout my journey, championing the profession and providing a platform for learning and connection.
As I reflect, I’m proud of a career rooted in fairness, professionalism, and a belief in planning as a force for good. And I hope that in another 50 years, the RPTI will still be upholding those same values.
William Ian Hastie
Ron McGill: Reflections of 50 years of planning
Looking back over 5 decades as an RTPI member, I have witnessed town planning evolve dramatically – from hand-drawn maps to GIS and AI.
In the early days of my education at Heriot-Watt, planning was both a science and an art. We studied the structure of cities, the psychology of urban form, and the value of civic participation. Influencers like Geddes, Alexander and Sennett emphasised both spatial understanding and social context. Planning was, and still is, about making better places for people.
Whilst working in the UK and across the world – from Cockermouth to Kampala – I’ve seen how good planning can transform communities. The roots continue to be strong – combining art and science, design and governance, vision and pragmatism.
Ron celebrating his retirement with colleagues from the Global Green Growth Institute in Uganda
Jean Walters
Peter Nixon: London to New Zealand – a life in planning
I joined the RTPI whilst working at the Greater London Council in the early 1970s – during the days of the Greater London Development Plan, the Motorway Box controversy and first steps towards redeveloping Docklands. Much of my work focused on development control in the green belt and I am glad to see more of those open spaces still protected today.
In 1975, I emigrated to New Zealand, where my planning career shifted towards major infrastructure and environmental impact assessments – rail, roads and energy projects that took me across the country. A highlight was my 10 years with the Department of Conservation, helping to protect some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural areas. From wild rivers to mountain peaks, my work took me deep into the outdoors – often by helicopter, raft or boat.
Over 50 years, the profession has changed – mostly for the better. With the challenges of climate change and environmental pressures ahead, planners have a vital role to play. My advice to new planners? Communicate clearly, build cross-disciplinary relationships, and most of all, listen well. Respect diverse views and cultivate the skills to mediate and find balanced solutions. Planning has taken me to incredible places – I hope it takes you there too.
David Hall
Thank you to those who have shared their inspiring career highlights with the Membership team. We look forward to spotlighting further inspiring stories in the future.
Thinking about joining RTPI
With over 27,000 members worldwide and more than 100 years of history, the RTPI is at the forefront of planning. Our members abide by the highest professional and ethical standards, which means employers, clients and the wider public trust them.
The RTPI is an advocate for best practice in planning at all levels of government and in the international arena. We give planners a voice in shaping the planning system.
We offer a membership class to suit you at all stages of your career – from student, graduate, mid-career to retirement.
Find out more about our membership here or contact our membership team [email protected]
