Town Planner Review
at Savills
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management, Property Development, Property Planning
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
No two days are the same. A typical day in my role as a Planner involves:
- Consulting directly with Private Clients, Developers, Architects, Consultants and the Local Planning Authority, at meetings, on the phone and via email to discuss projects and next steps;
- Identifying development potential and advising on the most effective route to achieving a desired planning consent;
- Providing honest, evidence based professional advice, referring to policy, precedent and sound judgement.
- Preparing key planning documents, including Planning Statements, Application Packs, Appeal Statements, Site Appraisals and Pre Application Statements.
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with Clients, Architects and Consultants to support smooth project delivery.
- Managing a diverse caseload of planning applications, from small scale proposals to major schemes, overseeing each stage from initial scoping through to decision and implementation.
It’s fast paced, collaborative, and full of variety, a role well suited for anyone who thinks creatively, solves complex issues and has a keen interest in shaping the built environment.
- Consulting directly with Private Clients, Developers, Architects, Consultants and the Local Planning Authority, at meetings, on the phone and via email to discuss projects and next steps;
- Identifying development potential and advising on the most effective route to achieving a desired planning consent;
- Providing honest, evidence based professional advice, referring to policy, precedent and sound judgement.
- Preparing key planning documents, including Planning Statements, Application Packs, Appeal Statements, Site Appraisals and Pre Application Statements.
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with Clients, Architects and Consultants to support smooth project delivery.
- Managing a diverse caseload of planning applications, from small scale proposals to major schemes, overseeing each stage from initial scoping through to decision and implementation.
It’s fast paced, collaborative, and full of variety, a role well suited for anyone who thinks creatively, solves complex issues and has a keen interest in shaping the built environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I learn best by being proactive and gaining experience directly on the job. The support provided by Savills throughout the apprenticeship programme has been great. From the dedicated Apprenticeship Team to my immediate colleagues, everyone has worked collaboratively to ensure my development has been faced paced, practice and supported.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed a range of critical skills relevant not only to Town Planning, but also in regards to Client communication, presentation delivery, development management and critical analytical problem solving skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well organised, with clear and efficient communication between the Apprentice, Savills and the University.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Savills provided excellent support, offering a wider range of internal training opportunities and designated regional/ national training days.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
London South Bank University provided strong support throughout my qualification, offering regular meetings with lecturers as well as consistent email communication.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Through my qualification, I gained a broader and comparative understanding of complex planning issues that I may not encounter in my day to day work. This knowledge has strengthened my professional judgement and is applied to my role whenever relevant.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There is a wide range of sports teams to get involved in, including rugby 7s, cricket, football, the Friday run club, and netball. There are numerous social and professional networking events focused on, Client networking, personal development, and creating connections with colleagues across other sectors of the business you will collaborate.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Team collaboration and professional growth are core priorities at Savills, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop, work on a wide range of exciting projects, and progress confidently.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
Take the time to build a basic understanding of the planning system. Exploring the Planning Portal to see how applications are submitted, and reviewing examples on local councils websites, this can help you understand how developments are assessed and give you a broader insight into Town Planning as a whole.
Be confident, showcase your practical experience, and highlight your enthusiasm for working in the property industry. Also highlight your interest in the built environment and your motivation to pursue a career in the Planning sector.
Be confident, showcase your practical experience, and highlight your enthusiasm for working in the property industry. Also highlight your interest in the built environment and your motivation to pursue a career in the Planning sector.
