Young Planners Cymru Steering Group

Alice is a Planner at Savills in Cardiff and has worked on a variety of projects across the UK, including renewable energy schemes, data centres, sports stadium, and large mixed-use sites. In February 2024 she became a Chartered member of the RTPI. Alice studied BA Geography and Planning at UWE Bristol, and has an MSc in Spatial Planning and Development from Cardiff University. Outside of work, Alice enjoys going on walks across South Wales with her borrowed dog called Toby, cooking, and going to festivals and live music events.

Nia is a Planner at Arup, working on a range of projects including leisure schemes, flood risk management schemes and infrastructure projects across Wales and England. Nia works predominantly in Development Management, leading the preparation of planning applications, pre-application consultations and pre-application requests. Nia completed her MSc in Spatial Planning and Development in 2020 and became a chartered planner in 2023. She has been a volunteer for Planning Aid Wales since 2019, where she enjoys helping individuals, small businesses or charities needing advice on planning matters. Nia was awarded the Wales Young Planner of the Year in 2024. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading and exploring new places!

Leo is a Chartered Planner at Stantec working within their Wales & South-West team. Leo completed his studies for a Spatial Planning and Development MSc degree at Cardiff University in 2022, whilst working at a Cardiff based planning consultancy.
Prior to completing his BSc in Geography and Town Planning at Cardiff University Leo completed a placement year at Cardiff City Council.
At Stantec, Leo’s work consists of drafting local plan representations for residential developments, assisting colleagues during the PAC process and preparing and submitting application submission for energy projects across Wales. He became a chartered member of the RTPI following his APC success in May 2023.

Matt is a Planner at Arup and is currently completing his Urban Planning Masters at UWE, following completion of his undergraduate degree in Geography (Human) at Cardiff University. In his role at Arup, Matt works on a broad range of projects relating to Development Management and Community and Stakeholder Engagement within Planning. Outside of work, Matt enjoys playing football and exploring new places!

Heulwen is a Planner at Arup in Cardiff and works on a broad range of projects within policy and development management. She has recently completed her MSc in Town planning at University of the West of England and also holds an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and Development from Cardiff University. Going down the apprenticeship route, Heulwen is currently in the process of working towards chartership.

Lucy is an Assistant Planner working for RPS in their Cardiff office. Day to day, she assists on planning applications for a broad range of projects in Wales and England, including renewable energy schemes and Welsh Developments of National Significance.

Lucy has an MSc degree in Spatial Planning and Development as well as a BSc in Human Geography from Cardiff University. She is a Licentiate member of the RTPI, working towards full chartership this year.

Annabelle is a Senior Planner in Savills Cardiff Office with nearly 5 years’ experience working in both private consultancy and local government. Prior to this, Annabelle completed her BSc Human Geography and Planning at Cardiff University, through which she completed a 14-month placement working in Development Management in London. Using this experience, Annabelle applies and continuously develops her knowledge on projects across Wales and England including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Annabelle joined the committee in 2022 as an events co-ordinator and is looking forward to her new role on the committee.

Lleucu is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Cardiff University studying Human Geography and Planning (BSc) and is in her final year after completing a Placement year at Savills with the Cardiff Planning Team. Her degree is a 4-year sandwich course, which is partially accredited by the RTPI. Lleucu joined the committee in 2024.

Imogen works within Hallam Land’s South West team as a Development Planner where she identifies, acquires and disposes of development opportunities following their promotion through the planning process. Prior to joining Hallam Land in 2023, Imogen worked as a planning consultant in Cardiff.

Following her role as Chair of Young Planners Cymru from January 2022 to December 2024, Imogen has stepped down to General Member where she looks forward to inputting to the Committee on future events.

Clodagh is a Principal Planner at CarneySweeney’s Cardiff office and is a chartered member of the RTPI. She works on projects across a broad range of sectors including residential, retail, commercial and renewable energy in both Wales and England.

Clodagh has previously worked at other Cardiff-based planning consultancies and obtained a MSc in Spatial Planning and Development from Cardiff University in 2019.

In her role as General Member, Clodagh is looking forward to another year supporting the Young Planners Cymru Committee and attending a variety of CPD and social events!

Emre supports Boyer’s Bristol and Cardiff Team in a variety of planning projects after graduating in BA (Hons) Geography & Planning from University of the West of England and MSc in Spatial Planning & Development at Cardiff University. During university, Emre was a student representative and committee member of multiple societies featuring the Planning Society where he gained transferable experience and skills. From a diverse background, Emre aims to bring that input into the group also.

Joshua is a Planning Officer working for Swansea Council within the Placemaking and Strategic Planning section and is also a Chartered Member of the RTPI. Prior to this, Joshua completed a MSc in Spatial Planning and Development at Cardiff University, graduating in 2022. In his role, Joshua has experience across a range of projects including the preparation of a new development plan for Swansea (known as LDP2), monitoring the performance of the existing development plan, Section 106 Agreements, and producing policy responses to planning applications

Ivy is thrilled to join the RTPI Young Planner Committee as a general member. With a strong interest in shaping inclusive and sustainable communities, Ivy looks forward to learning, sharing ideas, and supporting the committee's initiatives to promote excellence in planning.

Ayoma holds a Town and Country Planning degree from Sri Lanka and an MSc in Project Management in the UK. Her academic background and professional experiences reflect a strong dedication to urban development, sustainable design, and community-oriented planning.

Ayoma’s training at the Urban Development Authority in Sri Lanka provided her with valuable hands-on experience in land use planning, zoning, and project coordination. This role allowed Ayoma to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to develop innovative and practical solutions for urban and regional development challenges. It also deepened her understanding of how to balance the technical and social aspects of urban planning.

Throughout her journey, Ayoma has cultivated skills in spatial planning, stakeholder engagement, and the use of advanced tools such as GIS, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, Lumion to bring urban concepts to life. Ayoma is particularly passionate about creating resilient and inclusive urban spaces that meet present needs and anticipate future challenges. Ayoma’s work is driven by a commitment to fostering sustainable, livable environments that enhance the quality of life for all.

Anisha is a Graduate Planner at Savills in Cardiff. She recently graduated with a BSc in Human Geography from Cardiff University. During her studies, she completed a summer internship with Savills, working with one of the planning teams in London. Currently, she is undertaking an MSc in Spatial Planning and Development at Cardiff University while working at Savills.

Madlen is a Graduate Planner at Arup and has worked on a variety of projects across the UK, including renewable energy schemes and leisure schemes. Prior to joining Arup, Madlen completed her undergraduate degree in Human Geography and Planning at Cardiff University. During her studies, Madlen gained two years of practical experience working as a Planning Enforcement Officer in a local authority. Outside of work, Madlen enjoys running, reading, and travelling!