Dorset Young Planners started in 2017 and have gone from strength to strength organising activities and events for Young Planners based in or nearby to Dorset. Annual event favourites are the Boat Social in August and the infamous quiz night around Christmas time.
We are always open to welcome new members onto the steering group, as long as you are happy to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in with ideas and helping to organise an event, we would be delighted for you to join. We are a fun and supportive group and often get together informally on the beach or a local bar for a catch up.
Find out about their latest news and events here.
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Clare Bolton
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Clare Bolton
I graduated from Cardiff University in 2023, obtaining a BSc Human Geography and Planning degree, whilst working at Chapman Lily Planning in my university holidays. I have keen interests in sustainable regeneration, urban design, and designing out crime which I have been able to explore in various parts of my undergraduate degree. Dorset Young Planners offers me the opportunity to encourage others into the world of planning, whilst expanding my own network and knowledge. I am looking forward to encouraging new members into the group and working with the team to organise events!
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Emily Jeffries
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Emily Jeffries
I graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2023 and am looking to commence a Masters Degree in Urban Planning in September 2024. I am employed as an Assistant Planner at Chapman Lily. I have a keen interest in sustainability and climate change and have been able to explore these areas during my degree. Dorset Young Planners has given me the opportunity to network with other young planners and further my planning career. I look forward to organising various events and encourage more people into planning.
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Hannah De'Ath
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Hannah De'Ath
I graduated from the University of Sheffield in the summer of 2024, having completed an Integrated Masters Degree in Urban Studies and Planning. I've since moved down to Dorset to join Savills' Central South Planning Team as a Graduate Planner in their Wimborne office. In time, I hope to develop my understanding of the planning industry, discover where my interests lie, and become a chartered member of the RTPI. I'm looking forward to becoming an active member of the Dorset Young Planners, both to get to know people in my industry and develop further both personally and professionally.
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Jack Higson,
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Jack Higson,
Biography to follow
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Jonathan Leigh
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Jonathan Leigh
Jonathan is a recent addition to both the Dorset Young Planners steering group and the local planning community. Having just relocated to the area, Jonathan has joined Chapman Lily Planning, bringing with him a wealth of experience from various regions. He holds a Master's in Town & Regional Planning from the University of Sheffield, Dual Bachelors from the University of South Florida, and has worked on projects across England, Scotland, and Wales throughout his career.
As a newcomer to Dorset, Jonathan is looking forward to exploring the local planning landscape and making connections through the Young Planners Group. He's always eager to discuss innovative planning approaches and is excited to bring his diverse background to the Dorset planning community.
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Phillippa Gatehouse
Co-Chair
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Phillippa Gatehouse
Co-Chair
Phillippa is the co-chair of Dorset Young Planners with fellow steering group member Lucy. Following the graduation of her Masters in Spatial Planning and Development, Phillippa now works full time for a private planning consultancy within Dorset as a Senior Planner, working on a range of development projects from renewable energy, engineered wetlands, to housing and commercial development. Phillippa is passionate about how people interact with the natural environment and has a keen interest in rural planning.
Phillippa has been an active member of Dorset Young Planners for over two years and has loved meeting other enthusiastic planners. She states ‘it has been brilliant working with the steering group, it is a unique opportunity to connect with other local planners with a range of different experience and specialisms that are also passionate about their environment’.
Phillippa is looking forward to another planning packed year of 2024, while also taking the time to explore the world. If you are interested in getting involved with the Dorset Young Planners, have a great idea for a new event or would like to discuss the opportunity of sponsoring an event do not hesitate to get in contact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillippa-gatehouse-80901a199
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Philip Saunders
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Philip Saunders
Biography to follow
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Sophie Dykes
Co-Chair
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Sophie Dykes
Co-Chair
I am fairly new to the planning world, securing my first role in 2022 upon graduating from Cardiff university. After I graduated from my undergraduate course, I began a master’s at UWE Bristol in Planning and Urban Leadership which I have recently completed. I work as an assistant planner at Chapman Lily Planning, based in Wareham, and I am beginning to work towards chartership. Being involved with the Dorset Young Planner’s has been a great way to network with others to build relationships and knowledge which help me in my career. I am looking forward to organising events and bringing like-minded individuals together!