Wiltshire Young Planners are a newly established group of Young Planning Professionals with a variety of different backgrounds. We are hoping to run a number of events throughout the year, both social and CPD to provide a space for Young Planners across Wiltshire to network and build connections. Our group is made up of the following people, we are always welcoming of new ideas and faces so please get in touch if you want to be part of the team, or simply have an idea for an event.
Henrietta Cole
Graduate Planner at Master Land and Planning
Henrietta Cole
Graduate Planner at Master Land and Planning
I am a Graduate Planner and have recently joined the team at Master Land and Planning in Salisbury where I work alongside Hollie. I completed my Masters in Urban Planning at UWE in 2023 while working part time in the private sector. I started out my career in Architecture, where I obtained my Part 1 degree from the University of Plymouth in 2021, and it wasn’t until midway through my architecture placement year in 2022 where I realised that town planning is where I see myself in the future, not within design and construction. I have learned so much in planning so far and my role as a planner means I can utilise my architectural knowledge to help secure planning permission, and I also get to appreciate and understand architecture and good design but in a way that is more technical and achievable. I am now working towards gaining my MRTPI status with Hollie as my mentor.
Alicia Darko
Alicia Darko
I am a recent graduate in Architecture and Planning. Currently I am focusing on developing my career as a Planner whilst working a planner on residential planning applications within a family business. I spent some time working with the Cheltenham Borough Council as part of the Planning Team. I recently joined the Young Planners to contribute to ideas of engaging with other planners and with the community through events and also to engage more effectively with the RTPI. I hope to be of positive influence to other young planners.
Fern Lynch
Fern Lynch
I obtained an MSc in Urban Planning in 2017 from the University of the West of England (UWE) having also completed a BSc in Geography with Environmental Management at UWE in 2013. My Planning career originated within local government as a development management planner until April 2021 when I made the switch to the private sector. I now specialise in achieving planning consents for major residential sites within the South of England on behalf of a Land Promotion and housing developer, Octavia Group. I joined the Steering Group to give back to the planning community, network and increase my engagement with the RTPI. I hope to encourage other young planners to make the most of the Institute!
Hollie Sturgess
Chair
Hollie Sturgess
Chair
Hollie started her planning career in 2018 while completing an MSc in Spatial Planning and Development at the University of Reading. She has spent most of her time since then in private consultancy and is currently the Senior Town Planner at Master Land and Planning, based near Salisbury. Hollie works across a wide range of residential schemes through southern England and has a particular focus in her current role supporting a number of Neighbourhood Planning Groups in Wiltshire with the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plans.
Hollie has also had experience working in the Swindon Borough Council Policy team, working on the preparation of evidence to support the emerging Local Plan. She is currently working towards completing her APC and becoming a chartered member of the RTPI.
Hollie has recently become the Chair of the newly formed RTPI Young Planners Group in Wiltshire.
Sarah Zengeya
Sarah Zengeya
I graduated with a BA in Urban Planning in 2018. I then completed an MA in Master of Planning at the University of the West of England. I have previous experience in private planning consultancies, mainly supporting residential development and I hope to gain in hopes of becoming chartered. I joined the Young Planners network to help support local events at the RTPI and to increase my work experience as a volunteer. I hope to contribute positively to the RTPI and encourage more young planners to join.