The Top Brass: No urban myths

Sue Essex, 57, is the Welsh Assembly's environment minister. Besides planning, her responsibilities include environmental issues, transport, sustainable development, the national parks and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Ms Essex trained as a planner after taking a degree in geography. In 1971 she moved to South Wales, where she worked in local government before becoming a lecturer in planning at Cardiff University. She was one of the founders of Planning Aid Wales in the late 1970s.

"My interest in town planning came from being brought up in inner city London, where there was compulsory clearance going on that affected communities.

"The main attribute you need in this job is to be able to work with others to solve problems. You also need to be imaginative and creative, as well as patient – it can be years before you see any fruition.

"The main reward is that you get to see something happening on the ground as a result of your work. Town planning is also about changing cultures, working with communities and encouraging residents to get involved.

"Ten years ago, there were many more men than women in this profession but that's changing fast. The number of ethnic minorities isn't as high as it should be, however, and that is a problem because planners have to respond to people and need to represent society as a whole."

Mike Ash, 56, is chief planner in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. He advises ministers on the planning system and on policy issues such as how to provide for homes, transport and other development while protecting the countryside.

"Good planning is important because where new developments are built, and how they are designed, can affect the quality of life of communities for generations."

Vincent Goodstadt, 57, is responsible for the Glasgow metropolitan area plan, which won the 2001 National Planning Award for innovation. He takes over as president of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) later this month.

"Town planning has never been more important: look at the traffic conditions, house prices, levels of homelessness, or dereliction."

Clive Harridge, 51, is director of Entec UK, an environmental and engineering consultancy, which has a wide range of clients including the Crown Estate, government departments, local councils and private sector companies.

"As a planner I'm seeking to create a better future for everyone, [for example] by providing for new houses and jobs, regenerating rundown areas, and safeguarding our countryside."

Mike Hayes, 55, is a vice-president of the RTPI and corporate director at Watford Council, with responsibility for development and environment services. He previously held the top town-planning jobs in the London borough of Lambeth and also in Glasgow, leading its successful bid to be UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999.

"Planning is about making a difference to the quality of people's lives and the places they live, work and play in."

Patsy Healey, 62, worked in local government planning offices in London before becoming a planning academic, first at Oxford Brookes and then at Newcastle University. She is closely involved in planning practice, through consultancies and research, and as a member of advisory boards.

"Planning is a fascinating field, focusing on the many ways in which we care about our environment, both on a local and a global scale."

Kevin Murray, 43, is director of Kevin Murray Associates, a consultancy responsible for regeneration strategies across the UK. He was RTPI president in 2000 and is honorary professor of planning at Aberdeen University.

"Getting the right plan is not enough; people have to feel they own it. So planners and designers need to learn the subtle art of letting go."

Chris Shepley, 57, is chief planning inspector for England and Wales. He runs the Planning Inspectorate, which deals with around 25,000 appeals and inquiries a year, ranging from airports to house extensions. He was formerly chief planner in Plymouth, where he led a major regeneration programme.

"Planning is not a dull and negative process, as it is sometimes portrayed, but a challenging and exciting job."

Mark Southgate, 38, has been a planner with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for 11 years and is now head of planning and regional policy. He is also a member of the RTPI's countryside and natural environment panel and its sustainable development think-tank.

"I don't think there's much more rewarding an experience than to look at a place and say to yourself, 'I helped make that place better'."

Martin Willey, 53, is chief operating officer of the English Cities Fund, a public-private partnership set up to attract institutional investment in deprived areas. Before that, he was chief planning officer for Harrogate Council and also worked on the Bridgewater Hall scheme in Manchester.

"Being a planner allows you to bring people and organisations together to discover a common agenda, then deliver results on the ground."

Do you have plans for the future?

* Planning encompasses areas such as urban design, housing, transport and infrastructure, environmental protection and conservation.

* As a planner, you'll combine desk work with activities such as site visits, partnership meetings and community planning sessions.

* You'll need to be proactive and have the ability to work in a team. A caring attitude towards clients is essential, along with project management, negotiation and communication skills, and an understanding of political, economic and social issues.

* Entry to the profession is via a degree in planning or a post-graduate qualification. You'll then need two years' practical experience in order to apply for membership of the RTPI, the profession's chartered body.

* To find out more, go to www.rtpi.org.uk or call 020 7929 9494.