Partnership empowers next-gen planners with hands-on experience

We are delighted to have partnered with Charnwood Borough Council and Loughborough University, alongside Shakespeare Martineau, to offer students hands-on experience in the planning application process and appeal processes.

Building on a successful first year, the pioneering project – designed to inspire and support the next generation of chartered town planners – will continue for a second year, running until May 2025.

As part of the third-year planning, policy and people module in Loughborough University urban planning BSc/MPlan course, 13 students will learn how to prepare and submit the key documentation required to make a planning application, explore the process from submission to decision-making, and learn how to formally comment and engage in the decision-making process.

David Pendle, planning partner, said: “We’re delighted to work with key partners to inspire the next generation of planners. This initiative aligns perfectly with our own apprentice and accreditation programmes to support and develop the next generation of town planners and I look forward to helping students navigate the different stages of the planning process and apply their knowledge in a practical setting.”

Simon Stanion, planning law consultant at Shakespeare Martineau, added: “We are again delighted to share our experience of appearing before planning committees and appeal inspectors with the students and support them through the mock planning appeal process.”

The project is structured in two phases. The first involves learning how to prepare a planning application, with a focus on the policy, evidence and planning balance necessary to justify a development proposal, alongside a series of local community and stakeholder comments and objections, both of which will be reviewed and presented at a mock planning committee for determination. Students will take on the roles of applicant, local community and local planning authority.

In the second phase, students will take part in a mock planning appeal hearing, having prepared submission documents supported by expert planning lawyers from Shakespeare Martineau. The statements and representations will be examined by a leading planning barrister acting as a planning inspector at a mock hearing.

Jacqueline Jackson, planning director, said: “As the lead for Marrons’ apprenticeship groups, I’m proud that this initiative perfectly complements our accelerate programme, which champions young talent in the planning sector. The shortage of town planners in the UK is well documented, and it’s crucial we create opportunities like this to inspire and support the next generation of professionals.

“By offering practical, hands-on experience alongside the academic knowledge provided by Loughborough University, this partnership gives students a unique opportunity to build essential skills and insight into the real-world planning process. It’s an investment in the future of the planning profession, and I’m excited to see the impact this will have on both the students and the industry as a whole.”

Dr Andrew Timmis, senior lecturer in transport and planning at Loughborough University, added: “We are grateful to our partners for supporting this initiative, which provides students with a comprehensive, real-world perspective on the planning process, covering the roles of applicants, objectors and planning authorities.

“Since this is still a relatively new course, opportunities like this are instrumental in helping students gain valuable experience while also working towards professional recognition and accreditation.”

The initiative builds on the council’s ongoing efforts to support young planners, following the recent addition of a third-year urban planning student to the planning team for a 12-month internship.

Richard Bennett, head of planning and growth at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to support students who aspire to build careers in planning and development. This project is a great example of how collaboration between local government, academia and the private sector can provide invaluable real-world experience for students.”

This ongoing partnership highlights our commitment, alongside Charnwood Borough Council and Shakespeare Martineau to developing skilled and knowledgeable planning professionals for the future.