Planning a bright future. Work experience inspires Ahmad
This month we have given a student town-planner of the future the chance to step into the shoes of a Chief Planning Officer.
Chief Planners of Tomorrow
The Chief Planners of Tomorrow scheme offers work-experience with leaders in local authorities. University College London (UCL) student Ahmad Loukeh shadowed Head of Planning Liz Hobden for two days, gaining an insight into the work of our busy planning, building regulations and city regeneration teams.
The Royal Town Planning Institute’s programme aims to help students learn from the best and gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of working in a senior planning role.
Ahmad, an MSc student from Syria, is studying Urban Regeneration at UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning. As well as attending meetings with Liz and meeting planning and building control officers, Ahmad sat in on a Planning Committee meeting.
Affordable housing and regeneration
He also joined a meeting of the Affordable Housing Partnership and visited development and regeneration sites in the city. These included London Road and the 1st Central County Cricket Ground in Hove, where new homes are under construction.
A fantastic experience
Ahmad said: “It was a fantastic experience for me to be close to the professional staff working in Brighton & Hove Council, seeing what it takes to be a planner. I learned many things and had the chance to match what I have learned in university with what really happens.
“The most intriguing part of my visit was watching the Planning committee meeting live. Seeing how the councillors, whether independent or representing different parties, combined with the officers to discuss planning projects and give planning permission or not.
“These levels of negotiating and discussions showed me how much planning and public interest are respected in the UK.
“I am very grateful to Liz and her colleagues for giving their time and answering my questions. This opportunity will really support my study and achieving the career goal I have set for myself as a chartered town planner.”
Liz Hobden said: “I hope Ahmad got an honest flavour of the day-to-day workings and the highs and lows and of being a Chief Planner in Brighton & Hove. An understanding of how work in the public sector has a huge impact, and how it ranges from small, detailed matters to the large scale and long term. Also, what is involved in managing and influencing people and place-making in our unique city.
“It was a busy two days, so most of all, I hope Ahmad enjoyed himself and will be inspired to progress his career in public sector town planning.”
A career in planning
Councillor Leo Littman, chair of the Planning Committee, said: “The Chief Planners of Tomorrow programme is a really great way of encouraging bright young students from all backgrounds to take the leap into local government and to realise the impact they can have when they make their career in planning.”
