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Careers : Land Use Planning Manager
Name: Clare Hennessey
Job: Land Use Planning Manager
"I make sure that the construction of the Crossrail project has got planning permission..."
Job: Land Use Planning Manager
"I make sure that the construction of the Crossrail project has got planning permission..."
What does your job involve?
The main purpose of the planning manager is to make sure that the construction of the Crossrail project has got planning permission. Normally your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development - anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre - should go ahead. In the case of Crossrail Parliament will decide whether to grant outline planning permission for the construction of the stations, and other rail infrastructure.
The approval of the detail of the design (what the ticket halls will actually look like and the types of building materials to be used) will be approved by the local planning authority. It is the job of the planning manager to work with local authority planners to agree the detail design and to make sure that the planning powers are in place before the construction of Crossrail starts.
A typical day might include a meeting with a local planning authority to discuss a station design. This would also involve Crossrail's architects and engineers who would explain the thinking behind their designs. The planners would consider how the new station will fit within the buildings and other features of the existing area and how it would link with other transport modes such as buses and taxis.
The local authority may also have its own plans for redevelopment around the station which should be taken into account.
The best thing about the job is working in London. Constructing a new railway through Central London brings many challenges for planners. There are lots of competing uses for the land needed to build Crossrail. For example, worksites are sometimes located in parks and open spaces. This has a knock on effect for people who would ordinarily use these spaces for sport and recreation.
The challenge is in finding a compromise that most people can live with, bearing in mind the benefits that the project will bring in the long term. Planners also have to make sure that station buildings integrate well with historic buildings and townscapes. This means working closely with architects to produce sensitive designs.
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
The RTPI is the chartered professional institute for the UK and Ireland to which many planners belong. Each regional branch of the RTPI has an environmental education officer who could assist teachers or students with accessing information and contacts etc.
The TCPA campaigns for changes to the UK's planning system to make it more responsive to people's needs and aspirations, and to promote sustainable development.
Town Planner
Transport Planner
Environmental Planner
Architect
Urban Designer
The main purpose of the planning manager is to make sure that the construction of the Crossrail project has got planning permission. Normally your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development - anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre - should go ahead. In the case of Crossrail Parliament will decide whether to grant outline planning permission for the construction of the stations, and other rail infrastructure.
The approval of the detail of the design (what the ticket halls will actually look like and the types of building materials to be used) will be approved by the local planning authority. It is the job of the planning manager to work with local authority planners to agree the detail design and to make sure that the planning powers are in place before the construction of Crossrail starts.
A typical day might include a meeting with a local planning authority to discuss a station design. This would also involve Crossrail's architects and engineers who would explain the thinking behind their designs. The planners would consider how the new station will fit within the buildings and other features of the existing area and how it would link with other transport modes such as buses and taxis.
The local authority may also have its own plans for redevelopment around the station which should be taken into account.
The best thing about the job is working in London. Constructing a new railway through Central London brings many challenges for planners. There are lots of competing uses for the land needed to build Crossrail. For example, worksites are sometimes located in parks and open spaces. This has a knock on effect for people who would ordinarily use these spaces for sport and recreation.
The challenge is in finding a compromise that most people can live with, bearing in mind the benefits that the project will bring in the long term. Planners also have to make sure that station buildings integrate well with historic buildings and townscapes. This means working closely with architects to produce sensitive designs.
- A planner needs a combination of skills. A planner is someone who is good at weighing up the benefits and impacts of a development.
- Planners are good at working with people with different interests and perspectives on development, such as landowners, developers, architects, local amenity groups and local residents.
- A planner also needs to be a good negotiator and communicator, helping to explain the positive things about a development and the constraints, in order to find a solution that works well for most people.
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
The RTPI is the chartered professional institute for the UK and Ireland to which many planners belong. Each regional branch of the RTPI has an environmental education officer who could assist teachers or students with accessing information and contacts etc.
The TCPA campaigns for changes to the UK's planning system to make it more responsive to people's needs and aspirations, and to promote sustainable development.
Town Planner
Transport Planner
Environmental Planner
Architect
Urban Designer
