We are thrilled to announce that Karen Syrett, lead officer for planning and place strategy at Colchester Borough Council, has been shortlisted in the East of England RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2022.
The prestigious awards celebrate outstanding plans, projects and people that demonstrate the power of planning – highlighting exceptional examples of how planning and planners have a positive impact on people’s quality of life in creating exceptional places and protecting the environment.
Karen is one of two regional finalists up for the Head Planner of the Year Award and if successful at the awards gala being held in Hylands House, Chelmsford, on 30 June, will go through to the national finals in central London, in November.
Karen’s nomination recognises her leadership contribution to planning and placemaking in the borough over many years. Karen has worked in local authorities for more than 30 years, including 14 years in Development Management (including enforcement) and 9 years in Spatial Policy, and was one of the first women in the East of England to be promoted to a senior management level in planning at a local authority.
Karen is influential in the delivery of Colchester’s Local Plan and holds a key directional role in development management, being a strong and well-respected officer for the council and role model for her teams.
Pam Donnelly, Chief Executive of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that the RTPI has recognised Karen’s hard work and expertise in delivering positive planning outcomes for the borough and its residents. There are few development sites in Colchester that she does not know in detail.
“This is well-deserved recognition for a member of our team who, as an exemplar of excellent leadership and practice, inspires colleagues, clients and the wider planning community.”
Karen said: “I really am overwhelmed to have received this nomination, especially as it comes from fellow planners. Planning is not a profession for the faint-hearted and I have been lucky to have worked with some fantastic people over the years, who have all contributed to this nomination.”
Page last reviewed: 11 May 2022