Class of 2024 graduate wins planning award
Huge congratulations to Newcastle graduate Sam Wightman (MPlan Planning, 2024), who has won RTPI’s North East Young Planner of the Year award.
14 July 2025
Sam started working for Newcastle City Council whilst studying for her Master of Planning (MPlan) degree with the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (APL) at Newcastle University, and is now a Graduate Planner for the council.
During her placement year, Sam worked as a Student Planner for the council and split her time between the development management team and the policy team before returning to complete her degree, graduating in 2024.
Sam was praised for her commitment to promoting innovation and digital change in planning. In her current role as Graduate Planner with Newcastle City Council, Sam has helped to implement a digital site assessment tool, evaluated back-office planning systems, and developed new approaches to housing policy. She also organised the National Open Digital Planning Conference in 2024 and has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities.
Sam has excelled in many aspects of her educational journey, and this accomplishment is no different. It is an industry-bestowed accolade that recognises her talent across our region, and we are very proud of her.
The RTPI is an international body which represents town planners in 88 countries across the world. The Young Planner of the Year award recognises RTPI members in the early stages of their career, who demonstrate a contribution to planning or significant career achievements in recent years.
Being ‘Young Planner of the Year’ is also an ambassadorial role for the RTPI, where winners will be able to use their platform to raise the profile of young planners in their respective regions.
The judging panel commented:
"Samantha is clearly a very dedicated and enthusiastic young planner leading digital change in planning in the North East. She is shown to be collaborative and engaging across all levels and proactive in local networks and championing planning".
The national RTPI ‘Young Planner of the Year’ final will take place in London in November. Good luck Sam!
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