Southampton: Laura Archer named South East Young Planner of the Year

Laura Archer of planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore has been named South East Young Planner of the Year.

Archer, 24, who is a planner based in the Southampton office, was awarded the title at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South East Region Awards held at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

Archer’s entry highlighted her diverse mix of project experience in planning appeals, large infrastructure projects, waste management and residential development.

The award also recognised her work in supporting other young planners through her roles as Chair of the South Coast Young Planners Network, Vice Chair of the RTPI Young Planners Network, and a committee member of Solent Woman in Planning. Archer also works with organisations such as Girlguiding to promote the planning profession.

On the day of the awards, Archer hosted Ian Tant, RTPI president, on a tour of the region to show him planned regeneration works on Hayling Island and the sites of proposed developments at St James’ Hospital and Tipner West in Portsmouth.

Tant said: “This award recognises Laura’s commitment to professional development and in particular the way she acts as a role model for young people – those in the industry and those who may join it in future. Laura has a bright future ahead of her and is a deserving winner of this award.”

Archer added: “I am pleased to receive this award, and grateful to the team at Barton Willmore for their encouragement and support.”

Barton Willmore’s south coast team, based in Southampton, works on an expanding portfolio of mixed-use, residential and commercial projects in Southampton and Portsmouth and across the wider Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex regions.

Barton Willmore is the UK’s leading independent planning and design consultancy, whose team has advised on major schemes including Westquay Watermark Shopping Centre, Gunwharf Quays and Poole waterfront.