Tower Hamlets is a diverse and fast changing borough, and planning decisions genuinely shape people’s everyday lives. Whether it’s improved public spaces, affordable housing, better social infrastructure, or higher quality design, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work contributes to outcomes that residents will feel and use for years to come.
Career journey and role
My career in Local Government Planning began somewhat unexpectedly. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Human Geography, I was applying for a wide range of roles across different sectors. I came across a Planning Assistant position at the London Borough of Barnet and, although I didn’t have a traditional planning background at the time, the role immediately appealed to me.
I spent three and a half years at Barnet Council, progressing from Planning Assistant to Planning Officer. It was an excellent grounding in development management. Barnet Council also supported me to complete a part time Masters in Planning through the RTPI apprenticeship route.
In January 2022, I joined Tower Hamlets Council, where I’ve continued to grow professionally and have since progressed from Senior Planner to Principal Planner. Working in such a dynamic, high growth borough has allowed me to take on more complex, strategic work and deepen my expertise.
When I first started in planning, the biggest challenge was building confidence - particularly when leading meetings or presenting in formal settings. As a junior officer, it can feel daunting to speak with authority in front of experienced consultants, senior colleagues, or elected members.
Over time, exposure and experience made a huge difference. Presenting at planning committee, which initially felt intimidating, is now something I genuinely enjoy. I learnt to trust my professional judgement, prepare thoroughly, and remind myself that I bring valuable insight to the table. Supportive colleagues and managers also played a big role in helping me grow into those responsibilities.
Value of working in local government
Flexible working is well established, which makes it much easier to balance a busy workload with life outside the office. Although the work can be demanding, there isn’t the expectation to work late into the evening, and managers respect boundaries around working hours.
Another advantage is the people. Many managers and colleagues have spent most of their careers in local government, so there’s a strong culture of mentorship and shared knowledge. You’re surrounded by like minded individuals who genuinely care about the places they serve and want to achieve the best outcomes for the community. That sense of purpose and collective motivation is something quite unique to the public sector.
What has kept me in the public sector is the ability to be on the decision making side of planning. I enjoy being in a role where I can directly influence the shape of development and ensure that schemes deliver meaningful benefits for residents.
The first misconception about local government planning is the stereotype that local government is full of older, grumpy people stuck in their ways. In reality, there are lots of young, energetic, and fun people working in planning teams, and the culture is far more dynamic than people expect.
Another misconception is around pay. While salaries can vary, pay at the early stages of a planning career is actually quite comparable to many private sector roles, especially when you factor in the benefits, training opportunities, and work life balance.
Finally, people often underestimate the level of expertise within local authorities. In my experience, local government is full of incredibly knowledgeable and highly experienced planners. Being surrounded by that level of skill and insight is one of the best parts of working in the public sector.
Chartership
Achieving chartership felt like a milestone that recognised the experience, learning, and professional growth I’d built up over the years. Being part of a respected professional body also gives a real sense of belonging within the wider planning profession. It’s also a helpful marker of competence and commitment when progressing into more senior roles.
I was fortunate to have very supportive colleagues who helped me gain the breadth of experience I needed. Working in local government meant I was exposed to a wide variety of casework, meetings, and project types, which made it easier to build a strong portfolio of examples.
One of the most helpful habits I developed was keeping a monthly log of everything I worked on or shadowed. It made the final write up so much easier because I wasn’t trying to remember details months later - everything was already captured.
My biggest piece of advice is not to overthink the writing. You’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to write about your job because you’re simply explaining what you do every day. I actually found it far easier than academic essays - it’s about showcasing your real world experience, not writing theory. Be honest, be reflective, and keep recording things as you go.
Advice
Don’t underestimate the value of smaller applications. Starting with householder and minor applications might feel basic, but they’re the foundation of good planning practice. They teach you how to interpret policy, apply legislation, write clear reports, and manage your caseload. Those skills make the transition to complex, strategic work so much smoother.
Back yourself and trust your judgement. You won’t get everything perfect straight away - no one does. But planning is a profession where you learn by doing. If something doesn’t go to plan, it becomes part of your experience and helps you grow. Confidence builds over time, so give yourself permission to learn.
Get involved beyond your casework. Take opportunities to join project groups, help organise team socials, or support wider service initiatives. It’s a great way to meet people outside your immediate team, understand how the organisation works, and develop skills that go far beyond assessing applications.
I would tell my younger self to say yes to opportunities, even the ones that feel slightly outside your comfort zone. Those are often the experiences that lead to the most growth - whether it is presenting at committee, leading a meeting for the first time, or taking on a service improvement project. All experiences build the confidence you will rely on later in your career!