Greater Cambridge Shared Planning supports RTPI Young Planners Conference in Cambridge

Last week, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning had the pleasure of supporting the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Young Planners’ Conference, two-day event hosted in Cambridge on 11 and 12 October 2024.

The conference centred around themes of opportunity, change, and collaboration, with key discussions focused on career development for young planners, resourcing, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Attendees also explored the future of education for built environment professionals, tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

GCSP was proud to contribute to the event, with several of our young planners attending and actively engaging in insightful conversations.

Stephen Kelly, Director of Planning and Economic Development, opened the conference with a keynote address, inspiring delegates by highlighting professional opportunities for young planners and showcasing the diverse range of new developments and architecture across Greater Cambridge.

One of the highlights was a walking tour of Eddington, led by Jonathan Brookes, Strategic Sites Team Leader. The tour visited key sites such as Storey’s Field Centre, Knight’s Park, and the award-winning Rubicon housing scheme. Jonathan shared insights on the area’s planning history, high-quality design, and sitewide strategies for water and energy use. The tour also addressed questions on affordable housing and local development challenges, making it a valuable learning experience for attendees.

John Cornell, Natural Environment Team Leader, participated in a panel discussion on Growth and the Natural Environment. He shared his expertise on the local landscape and discussed innovative water resource management solutions, such as grey water systems, and the potential for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the area.

Philippa Kelly, Strategic Sites Manager, contributed to a discussion on the Importance of Clusters to the Life Science Sector and how the dynamic between city and campus is evolving to foster innovation.

Reflecting on the event, one of our young planners said: "The Young Planners Conference was a fantastic opportunity to catch up on planning news, practices, and hear about some interesting case studies from a wide range of professionals in the field. The chance to discuss ideas and professional experiences with other like-minded planners from different parts of the country was a huge bonus."

Stephen Kelly, Director of Planning and Economic Development, said: “It was a privilege for Cambridge to host this year’s RTPI Young Planners Conference. The event provided an invaluable platform for young planners from across the Country to engage with new ideas, learn from leading professionals, and discuss the future of our profession. Greater Cambridge Shared Planning was proud to support the prestigious event, delivering talks and taking part in workshops as well as leading site tours that highlighted the opportunities and the challenges facing planners in the UK.

The energy and enthusiasm shown throughout the two days were truly inspiring. With the government nationally shining a spotlight on planning and planners at this time, I hope the event provided both inspiration and practical insight to the 250 plus planning professionals who joined the event and will be part of shaping the Country’s future.”