Emily Bates

At present, I work as a Senior Planner, undertaking site appraisals of development sites across the UK to advise on their potential, entering into pre-application discussions and preparation of planning applications. I am a highly conscientious and organised planner, who has abundant experience with liaising with senior professionals across the built environment, being the lead project manager on several commercial and residential schemes, and acting as the Schools Outreach and Next Generation Lead on the Central Scotland Women in Property Committee. My objective remains to develop my knowledge in sustainable and innovative urban planning solutions, contributing to the development of leading sustainable cities and practice.

Key Activities

• Guest Lecturer at University of Liverpool [April 2024]

  Guest lecturer within the Planning in Practice module on the RTPI L-APC Process at the University of Liverpool.

• Schools Outreach and Next Generation Lead | Central Scotland Women in Property Committee [September 2024 - Present]

  Developed 'Project in a Box' initiative, aimed at increasing exposure and understanding of career opportunities within the built environment sector among young learners. The programme is designed to complement the Scottish Curriculum while inspiring the next generation of industry professionals through interactive, age-appropriate activities.

• Anderson Medal | University of Liverpool [July 2022]

  Awarded by the School of Environmental Sciences for the highest marks in the MPlan Town and Regional Planning Degree and a major contribution to the department

• Moss Madden Scholarship | University of Liverpool [July 2021]

  Awarded in memory of Professor Moss Madden, a former Head of Department of Civic Design, to candidates who displayed a high level of academic achievement and potential in year three of the four-year MPlan Town and Regional Planning Degree.

• Ambassador | Regeneration Brainery [September 2021 - Present]

  Regeneration Brainery is an organisation that aims to increase exposure of the built environment industry for students. As an Ambassador, I have collaboratively established the ‘Brainery Bootcamp’ framework for the education roadshow, supported by Women in Property. The Framework simplifies the development process into four stages, site analysis (planning), design, economics, and marketing. The ‘Brainery Bootcamp’ is delivered in high schools and colleges across the UK to inspire and engage future generations about the built environment.

• Planning Society President | University of Liverpool [July 2020 – July 2021]

• Regional WiP Winner | Women in Property (WiP) [June 2020]

• North West Young Planner Committee Member | RTPI North West [December 2019 – May 2024]

• Ambassador | PLACED Education[June 2019 - Present]

  PLACED Education is a social enterprise which inclusively engages the community in design, planning and development through consultation activities and education. As an ambassador, I assisted on the online Academy during Covid-19 for 14-18 year olds; enabling me to target my communication to ensure students understood the required tasks and felt comfortable presenting their ideas in the new online environment.

Professional Experience

• Senior Planner | Calton Planning + Development [September 2024 - Present]

  I joined Calton as a Planner in September 2024, splitting my time between Calton and its affiliate, NJL. This role enabled me to navigate both the English and Scottish planning systems and introduce English-based clients to Scottish opportunities, supporting Calton’s growth. In April 2025, I was promoted to Senior Planner, and since July I have been working full-time at Calton.

• Senior Planner | NJL Consulting [October 2021 - July 2025]

  I joined NJL as a Planning Intern in October 2021 alongside my degree, where I applied my theoretical knowledge to practice. In August 2022, I was promoted to Graduate Planner, where my role developed to preparing major planning and appeal statements and reviewing technical reports. This is alongside administrative and business development related tasks, including the preparation of fee proposals and reaching an agreement on the proposed fee and scope of work with the Client. After year and a half of acting as the lead project manager on minor applications with regular and proactive communication with the Council and Client team, I was promoted to Urban Planner in March 2024.

• Assistant Planner | Maybern Planning + Development [May 2021 - September 2021]

  As an Assistant Planner, I supported the preparation of planning applications and site appraisals, largely across the North West region for small residential schemes. I also undertook strategic land searches for Clients, as and when instructed.