How do they do it? Carol Clarke

Carol Clarke graduated from Sunderland University in geography and business studies before taking a postgraduate town planning masters degree at Manchester University. She began her career at HOW Planning in 2002 as a graduate where she worked for over 11 years, rising to become an associate. Clarke then gained experience at Gladman Developments and Peter Brett Associates before joining TEM Property, part of Tatton Estate Management, earlier this year as head of planning and engagement. She is also a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) APC assessor.

What are your objectives in your current role and how are you measured against them?

One key objective among many involves overseeing planning projects, mainly in Cheshire. Currently, these include a new village and a science park. I also focus on the business side, building up a commercial practice. We have annual appraisals to assess our performance against business objectives.

What key lessons have you learned in your career that helped you fulfil those objectives? 

A. Be positive. Always view the planning system as an opportunity rather than a constraint to development and your objectives will be easier to fulfil.

Work as a team. This enables you to draw on knowledge and experience - the promotion of land and delivery of exceptional developments takes more than one person.

Invest in training. I wanted to become an RTPI assessor to help nurture the next generation – without young planners the profession will die.