As local authorities are independent statutory bodies with their own management systems, the administrative procedures which a planning authority uses for the preparation and signing off of planning reports and correspondence is properly a matter for individual planning authorities themselves.
There are stringent standards for entry to positions as professional planners in the local authorities. Candidates must hold a qualification in town planning recognised by the Local Appointments Commissioners and have a minimum of between three and seven years' satisfactory postgraduate experience of town planning, depending on the post involved. The assistant planner grade is open to newly graduated planners or individuals without a qualification in town planning recognised by the Local Appointments Commissioners, but who have a relevant qualification, such as in architecture, engineering, chartered surveying, environmental economics, geography, and who have at least two years' relevant experience. In general, candidates for all planner posts would be expected to possess a high standard of technical training and experience. In light of these requirements, it would not normally be necessary for qualifications to be indicated on reports or correspondence.
