Young planners awarded

Two Dorset Council planners have been recognised at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence 2021. The awards celebrate projects and people who have helped create exceptional places and improved the lives of those who live and work there. They also highlight how planning and planners work to create a safe, healthy and sustainable future.

Frances Summers, Senior Planning Policy Officer for the council was the overall winner for the  The judges were impressed with her grasp of issues facing planning and planning professionals and how she saw a role as a ‘digital champion’ for Dorset Council as well as her work in inspiring school children to consider planning as a profession which is being supported by the RTPI nationally.

Christopher Lee, Planning Policy Officer received a commended in the same category. The judges described him as a ‘solid conscientious young planner’, and they were impressed with his interest and expertise in streamlining processes through digitalisation.

The awards are organised by the RTPI regionally which leads onto the national awards.

Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:

“Congratulations to Frances and Chris. To have two mentions in the one category is fantastic. It shows the calibre of our young, up and coming planning stars who will invigorate the service.”

RTPI South West Chair 2021, Angharad Williams, commented “In a year of uncertainty, I am delighted by the broad range of inspirational entries that we received this year.

“Celebrating planning excellence allows us to reflect, reward and learn from exemplar projects, teams and people as we move forward in transforming our communities, protecting and enhancing the environment, creating successful economies and delivering exceptional places. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners.”