Planning sector has to do with developing and managing rural and urban areas to protect present and future generations. People working on this sector are planners or planning officers. They are required to solve different types of people’s problems, by coming up with suitable solutions for their demands. Other duties they need to do are policy management, project planning, evidence collection, among others.

Planners or planning officers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Designing towns and cities.
• Managing development to create affordable housing.
•   Engaging communities.
•   Creating policies.
• Protecting trees and countryside areas.

• Having good written and spoken communication abilities.
• Being able to make fair judgements.
• Having competent presentation skills.
• Being able to work with a team
• Having good eye for details.
• Being able to work to deadlines.
• Having good problem solving abilities.
• Having IT skills.
• Being methodical and accurate.
• Having math skills.

Planning area require a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification. Other requirement is to have a first degree in planning accredited by the RTPI, offered by 21 universities in United Kingdom. These courses last four years, with a five year option including practical placement. Being a member of RTPI is a professional recognition related to education, skills, and expertise to be a competent planner.

There is a distance learning option for degree or postgraduate levels offered by several universities including Leeds Metropolitan University, University of the West of England, Dundee University, and London South Bank University.