Planning and development surveyor

Planning and development surveyors assess proposed construction, transport and environmental schemes in towns and cities.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a planning and development surveyor, you could:

  • analyse market data, like land and property records and values
  • present findings to clients and make recommendations
  • prepare planning applications for schemes
  • bid for funds from development agencies and investment companies
  • negotiate contracts and tenders
  • advise clients on construction regulations and legal matters
  • assess the likely impact of economic, social and environmental developments

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or visit sites.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to project or senior management roles, go into partnership in private practice, or become self-employed as a consultant. You might also specialise in areas like:

  • economic regeneration and redevelopment
  • urban design and planning policy
  • project finance and risk management
  • environmental assessment and sustainable development

You could work towards chartered status, which demonstrates your professional knowledge and expertise.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of construction and planning regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Most relevant

  • Geography - Planning and development surveyors assess how proposed developments will affect towns, cities, and the surrounding environment. They need to understand land use, urban planning, transport networks, and how human activity interacts with the physical landscape.
  • Mathematics - Planning and development surveyors use maths daily to analyse market data, calculate land and property values, and assess the financial viability of development schemes. They also work with measurements, statistics, and cost projections when preparing planning applications and bids for funding.
  • Business - Planning and development surveyors negotiate contracts and tenders, bid for investment funds, and advise clients on the commercial aspects of development projects. Understanding business strategy, finance, and how markets work is central to making sound recommendations.
  • Economics - Planning and development surveyors assess the economic impact of proposed developments and analyse market data on land and property values. They need to understand supply and demand, investment, and how economic trends shape decisions about where and what to build.

Also relevant

  • Environmental Science - Planning and development surveyors assess the environmental impact of construction and transport schemes, including effects on ecosystems, air quality, and sustainability. Understanding environmental principles helps them advise on sustainable development and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Design and Technology - Planning and development surveyors work closely with construction projects and need to understand how buildings and infrastructure are designed and built. Familiarity with technical drawings, materials, and the design process helps when reviewing plans and assessing feasibility.
  • Law - Planning and development surveyors advise clients on construction regulations and legal matters, and prepare planning applications that must comply with local and national legislation. Understanding how planning law and property law work is important for navigating the approvals process.
  • Politics - Planning and development surveyors work within a system shaped by government policy, local authority decisions, and public consultation. Understanding how planning policy is made and how political priorities – such as housing targets or regeneration funding – influence development is genuinely useful.
  • English Language - Planning and development surveyors write detailed reports, prepare planning applications, and present findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders. Being able to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively – both in writing and in person – is essential to the role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

You'll usually need to do an accredited degree approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Relevant subjects include:

  • surveying
  • business studies
  • economics
  • estate management
  • land and property development

If your degree is in an unrelated subject or is not accredited by RICS, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

You could take a college course and enter the profession as a surveying technician. After completing your course, you would do further professional qualifications or a degree apprenticeship.

Courses include:

  • construction
  • construction and the built environment
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

You can apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Surveying Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

If you follow the surveying technician route, you would need to do further training to qualify as a planning and development surveyor.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician, and take further training on the job to qualify as a surveyor.

You may be able to do a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University of the Built Environment.

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a planning and development surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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