RTPI Young Planner of the Year Winner

Planning Potential’s very own Joe Warren-McCoy has been announced as the RTPI Yorkshire’s Young Planner of 2023.  

The Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence took place at Aspire in Leeds on 15th June 2023recognising and highlighting the positive contribution planning professionals make in communitiesnot only within their own area but across the world. 

Joe joined Planning Potential in July 2021 post-graduation from his MPLAN Town and Regional Planning Degree at the University of Liverpool. He has built a strong professional skillset and a diverse project portfolio across sectors and for schemes with different constraints. Joe supports RTPI Yorkshire through volunteering on several committees, notably serving as Honorary Secretary on Yorkshire's RMB, and he also is an active alumni for his university network. His enthusiasm and commitment through extra-curricular contributions are testament to his eagerness to support the evolution and outreach of the planning profession. 

Judges’ comment: “Joe's submission clearly demonstrates commitment, energy and enthusiasm for the planning profession through their involvement in RTPI and related volunteer work. Through his work experience he is clearly learning skills of conflict resolution in a planning context based on preparation and an understanding of relevant key issues. An excellent role model for young planners.”    

Echoing the support that they’ve given Joe over the last couple of years, his Harrogate Planning Potential team mates surprised him by turning up en masse to celebrate his win at the event.  

Joe and the other regional winners of the Young Planner of the Year Award will now be going forward to compete in the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence national awards, with all category finalists being announced on the 9th October 2023. The national awards ceremony will take place on 21 November 2023 in London, so hopefully our Harrogate team get a day trip this time! 

Joe displayed his team spirit when highlighting his competitors and colleagues following his win.  

Joe commented "It’s a real honour to have been recognised for my efforts to champion the planning profession across disciplines and to emerging professionals.Huge congratulations also to Rajlaxmi Gaware for her Commended Entry for this award.I can’t forget to offer a massive thanks to both my peers from across the Royal Town Planning Institute, as well as my colleagues at Planning Potential, for their continued support which has been invaluable throughout the early stages of my career!"

Congratulations Joe! 

Images:  @ravage productions