Planning and development surveyor
Lead development projects to preserve buildings and communities – you could manage a sustainable land use initiative that gives an area a new lease of life.
About the job
What it's like
Planning and development surveyors play a key role in shaping how land and property are used and developed. You help make sure that projects meet legal, financial and environmental standards.
You'll focus on assessing land and property for development, regeneration or change of use. Surveyors work with local authorities, developers and landowners to guide projects from initial idea to completion. The work is rewarding because you see real results — new homes, workplaces or community spaces that benefit people.
Planning and development surveyors may be involved in site appraisals, negotiate planning permissions or advise on land values. You'll often prepare reports, manage budgets and consult with architects, engineers and planners. You could work in either the public or private sector. This could be with local councils, property consultancies, housing associations and large development firms.
You can even specialise in an area that grabs your interest. For example, you may choose to focus on urban regeneration, environmental planning, commercial development or rural land management.
Your tasks might include:
assessing sites for development potential and constraints
preparing and submitting planning applications
negotiating with local authorities and stakeholders
advising clients on land use, values and regulations
carrying out site visits and inspections
researching planning policies and market trends
Green job
In this job, you could do work to help the environment. You might:
advise on sustainable land use and regeneration projects
support developments that improve energy efficiency or protect green spaces
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – a professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction
Go Construct – discover informaiton about careers in construction
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Planning and development surveyor'
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- resourceful
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Environmental Science
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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Applications of Mathematics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a few routes you can take to become a planning and development surveyor.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study a wide range of subjects, such as:
Urban Planning or Town Planning
Property or Real Estate Management
Building Surveying
Quantity Surveying
Planning and Property Development
Construction Management
Geography (with planning modules)
Land and Property Management
Economics or Land Economics
Use the My World of Work course search to find the right degree for you.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job as a technical surveyor. You could then do further qualifications alongside your role to become a planning and development surveyor.
A HNC or HND will also allow you to progress to more advanced study, like university. Useful subjects include:
Construction Management
Built Environment
Quantity Surveying
Architectural Technology
Building Surveying
Civil Engineering
Apprenticeships
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in Construction and the Built Environment.
Once in work, there'll be a period of supervised practical training and an Assessment of Professional Competence.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on site. You'll need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.
Some jobs may ask that you have a driving licence.
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