Toby Bonny joined DAC Planning in 2021 from Northern Ireland while completing his MSc in Planning and Development at Queen’s University Belfast. After joining full time, Toby moved to our Colchester office.
He is strong at Excel and is developing strength in infrastructure and neighbourhood planning.
What is your current title and role at DAC Planning?
I am a Graduate Planner, previously Planning Assistant. My role mostly involves supporting my senior colleagues, although I have started to take on and lead projects which has been exciting. I have been involved in projects ranging from ‘traditional’ planning work such as engagement, research, and reporting to more creative tasks such as designing informational posters and reels.
Why did you join DAC Planning?
I was impressed by the team and the company’s focus on plan-making and the public sector. I was also attracted to working with a smaller company to learn from my colleagues more directly.
Which profession did you want to enter as a child?
Not a planner. I wanted to join the police, inspired by my family and probably too many movies.
How did you enter town planning?
I wouldn't say I fell into it. I studied Real Estate at undergraduate level at University of Reading and quickly became interested by the planning aspect of the course. After working for a year for the health service in Northern Ireland, I returned to study my Masters at Queen's University Belfast.
What do you find most rewarding about the profession of town planner?
I enjoy getting the chance to support a range of different people, whether that’s dedicated professionals or interested members of the public.
What is the most challenging aspect of the profession?
I think working in an environment with a fast changing and uncertain context – although the same can be said for most fields these days.
Describe town planning in three words.
Broad, changing, political.
Describe your favourite project so far at DAC Planning?
Given that my family are from there, I spent a lot of time in my childhood in the Wirral, so supporting their Local Plan has been great. I have helped the team through Regulation 18 and 19 consultations, and I am now assisting the team with the examination of the Local Plan, so it has also been important in developing my experience in these processes.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Exploring new places.
Are you a coffee or tea person, or neither?
I always drink a few coffees during the day, and sometimes a cup of tea to relax.
What’s your favourite movie?
Heat (1995)
What's your favourite way to spend a weekend?
Relaxing, heading out for a walk and exploring somewhere new.
What's the most interesting place you've ever visited?
Venice.
What's a skill you've always wanted to learn?
Fluency in a different language.
DAC Planning provides specialist local plan support and advice.
For a discussion on how we can assist you, please get in touch with the team:
admin@dacplanning.com / 01206 259281.
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