Rachel Blanchard

Planning Built Environments MA

Rachel has built a career shaping sustainable communities and leading on policy development, drawing on the practical, industry-focused skills and real-world experience she gained at BCU and is now a Senior Planning Policy Officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Honoured as the Southwest Young Planner of the Year and shortlisted for the national award, she also chairs the Planning Officers Society, supporting local authority planners and students.

“After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the built environment. I applied to several universities offering relevant courses, and when the offers came in, I chose BCU because it provided the perfect blend of academic knowledge and real-world application. The university’s modern facilities and supportive atmosphere made it the ideal place for me to continue my studies.

My experience at BCU was incredibly positive. The course was well-structured and practical, combining theory with real-world projects that mirrored industry challenges. The lecturers were approachable and knowledgeable, and the collaborative environment helped me develop confidence and professional skills.

Although I didn’t undertake any formal internships or placements, the course offered plenty of practical learning opportunities through projects and case studies, which gave me valuable real-world insights.

Now, I’m a Senior Planning Policy Officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. I also serve as Chair of the Planning Officers Society for local authority planners and students, which allows me to support the profession and help nurture future talent.

Since graduating, my career has been both rewarding and challenging. I started in entry-level planning roles and worked my way up, gaining experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Each step has helped me build technical expertise and leadership skills, and I’ve been fortunate to take on roles that allow me to make a positive impact on communities.

My course at BCU gave me a strong foundation in planning principles, legislation, and sustainability skills I use every day in my current role. It also taught me critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential for handling complex planning cases and preparing for future leadership positions. These skills have been invaluable as I’ve progressed in my career and taken on more responsibility.

A typical day is varied, from engaging with local councillors, residents, and consultants to drafting Local Plan policies and reviewing planning applications. I also work closely with colleagues across the council, including teams in public health, education, and estates, to ensure planning policies support wider community needs and strategic objectives. No two days are the same, which makes the role both challenging and rewarding.

One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the fast-paced nature of planning and managing competing priorities. I overcame this by developing strong organisational skills and learning to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Building resilience and staying proactive has also been key.

My proudest achievement since graduating is being named Young Planner of the Year for the Southwest and being shortlisted for the National Young Planner of the Year award. These milestones reflect the impact I’ve been able to make in the profession and the recognition of my commitment to planning.

Looking ahead, I aspire to progress into a leadership role where I can influence strategic planning decisions. I also want to continue supporting the profession through mentoring and involvement in professional bodies.

For anyone considering studying my course at BCU, my advice is simple: go for it! The course is practical, engaging, and provides excellent industry connections. Make the most of networking opportunities and projects; they’re invaluable for your career.”