Are you wondering what you'll do after full-time education? Unsure where to start your career when you finish University studies? If you're interested in the urban environment and developing for a sustainable future then you should look into town planning...

What is Planning?
"Planning involves twin activities - the management of the competing uses for space, and the making of places that are valued and have identity.  These activities  focus on the location and quality of social, economic and environmental change. In setting out its vision for planning, RTPI uses the term spatial planning to encompass these."

The Royal Town Planning Institute (this page opens in a new window)

Are you studying Geography?
"Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet."

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (this page opens in a new window)

Profile of a Planning Officer
A Planning Officer considers planning applications and related issues, working within a Development Control area team.

What's required?

• A degree or equivalent qualification is required. 
• Membership of The Royal Town Planning Institute is desirable.
• You should have knowledge of relevant environmental issues.
• You must be articulate with good written, organisational and customer care skills.
• You should be I.T. literate and calm, with the ability to work under pressure.

Planning at Guildford Borough Council

What are the challenges?

• In 2007 we dealt with 2716 planning applications and 235 works to trees applications for the Guildford Borough.
• We made decisions for 2575 applications in the same year.
• We uploaded over 10GB of scanned plans and documents to our website server in 2007.

The Reward

• A good salary.
• Working towards the development of your community.
• Having a positive effect on the environment of your area.

Planning Helpdesk
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444609
Email: planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk