Town Planning Assistant – Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard

COURSE OVERVIEW

This occupation is found in the planning, construction, architectural, infrastructure, environmental and local government sectors. Town Planning Assistants may work in local authorities, small consultancies, large multi-disciplinary consultancies, central government or other organisations undertaking planning work.. The broad purpose of the occupation is to work with, and provide technical and administrative support to Chartered Town Planners to deliver new developments and to shape and create sustainable places for the benefit of the public. They also help members of the public and/or clients to navigate the planning system and explain its rules and requirements. The work includes both office based work and site visits. Town Planning Assistants need to be willing and able to travel for site visits. Town Planning Assistants research and compile site history and undertake initial site analysis for developments including producing documentation and graphical representations as well as checking compliance with legislation and environmental designations. They assist Chartered Town Planners with community engagement and consultation and provide members of the public, clients and councillors with relevant planning advice. Town Planning Assistants manage a caseload of planning applications under supervision and support Chartered Town Planners to deliver projects. Town Planning Assistants who are Associate Members of the Royal Town Planning Institute must abide by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Code of Professional Conduct and ethical standards They must also abide by an Employer Code of Conduct.. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of both internal and external stakeholders such as Chartered Town Planners, developers and clients, as well as members of the public and local councillors. They also need to interact with specialists in a range of occupations including Architects, Surveyors, Building Control, Housing Officers, Urban Designers, Ecologists, Historic Environment Officers, Transport Planners and Landscape Architects. The role is varied, office based with meetings and visits on site.. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for their own work including undertaking preliminary research, initial analysis and interpretation of written policy documents, case law and planning legislation, and planning history of a site or area and making recommendations to Chartered Town Planners. They work under the supervision of Chartered Town Planners for more complex analysis and assessment work including writing reports and processing major planning applications. They are expected to manage their workload to set deadlines and work in accordance with health and safety and environmental considerations.