The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Region has awarded South Gloucestershire Council the title of Planning Authority of the Year. Congratulations to all staff who contributed to this success.
The awards ceremony took place recently at the Somerset County Cricket Ground. This recognition is a testament to the council’s commitment to excellence in planning and its positive impact on the community.
The judges said they were impressed with the way the council identified performance issues, implemented a series of management and staff development interventions and secured service improvements, effective monitoring and reporting arrangements, and increased communication with agents and residents. The council was shortlisted alongside two other local authorities, and the win emphasises the exceptional work of the whole team.
In addition, Principal Planning Officer, Lucy Paffett, was commended in the Young Planner of the Year category, securing second place among five strong nominees. Lucy’s passion and innovative methods have significantly contributed to the council’s success, making her recognition well-deserved.
The judges noted Lucy’s infectious enthusiasm and originality delivering outcomes, good career progression, and flair for balancing public sector responsibilities, the need to maintain CPD and support colleagues. Principal Planning Officer, Suzanne D’Arcy, was also nominated in the South West Chair’s Award category, acknowledging her significant impact within the field.
Moving forward, the council will be the RTPI South West’s nomination for the national awards event in London in November. This presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our work further on a national stage.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for planning, Cllr Chris Willmore, said: “This is a deserved recognition for the whole team, whose diligent work can often be behind the scenes, but which is vital in helping development of all kinds – from large-scale homebuilding to local infrastructure projects and individual residents’ projects to improve their own homes.
“Our planners role is to help any such work meet high standards and to ensure that national planning laws are implemented alongside South Gloucestershire’s own planning policies. The whole team has been involved in the work of continuous improvement over a number of years and our built environment is all the better for their diligence and commitment.”
Service Director for Planning, Brian Glasson, said: “I am so proud of my team; this recognition is well deserved. I am also thrilled that Lucy has been recognised for her approach and hard work.”
