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‘Expert advice can save you time and money in the long run’




In our regular Q&A column with Carter Jonas, we ask John Mason, a member of its Planning & Development team, what’s happening in the planning sector and what he loves about working and living in Cambridgeshire.

John Mason, of Carter Jonas. Picture: Carter Jonas
John Mason, of Carter Jonas. Picture: Carter Jonas

How did you get into your industry?

Like most town planners, I started off with an interest in geography. I then focused on urban geography with a two-year masters in urban studies studying abroad. This involved lots of travelling and was great fun. Back in the UK, I embarked on a career in town planning, but felt a masters accredited with the Royal Town Planning Institute would help – and so I did a second masters in planning. I then got a place on Carter Jonas’ grad scheme and the rest is history.

What does your job entail?

At the basic level, I provide planning advice to anyone who needs it. Mostly my day job comprises planning appraisals and managing applications on behalf of clients.

What do you like most about it?

I like the variation. No site is the same; each one has its own challenges.

What are the main challenges?

Planners in both the private and public sectors work hard to create great schemes; however, resourcing is a real challenge, particularly in the public sector, which makes it difficult to get applications through the system. Ever-changing regulations only adds to the workload.

What opportunities/challenges do you expect in the next six months?

Biodiversity net gain is a big one – very noble aims, but there is still a lot of uncertainty over how it will be implemented. There is also the prospect of further planning reform by the government, which had been expected to arrive before Christmas.

In relation to the above, what advice would you give to a client/business associate?

Always seek expert advice. It can save you time and money in the long run. Keep an eye on the news as well – changes to the planning system are never far from the headlines.

What is the most exciting thing about doing your job in Cambridge/Cambridgeshire?

It has divided opinion, but government proposals to prioritise and accelerate growth in Cambridge really demonstrates the pulling power of the city. As someone working in property, and as a young person living in Cambridge, this could offer incredible opportunities – if we can respond to challenges of transport and water resources.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I was very pleased to get planning permission for four modular units for homeless people earlier this year. It’s a small scheme but provides a proof of concept that we hope to roll out to other sites. At the other end of the scale, it’s very exciting to be working on the redevelopment of the waste water treatment plant to the north of Cambridge. How do you plan a sustainable neighbourhood that won’t be completed until 2050?

What advice would you give someone starting a career in your line of work?

Reach out to local companies to see if you can get some work experience for a couple of weeks, or better yet, see if you can get an internship. It’s really valuable experience.

Your favourite place in Cambridge and why you like it?

Emmanuel College on St Andrew’s Street – it’s where I studied, found my friendship group, and met and then married my husband. It’s usually open to the public, and visitors should check out the dining hall, chapel and paddock. It’s definitely the friendliest and prettiest college (and no, I’m not biased!).

Your favourite local café/restaurant/gallery/attraction and why you like it?

I’m a big fan of the city’s pubs – The Lord Byron, Kingston Arms, Blue Ball, Free Press. Nothing beats a good pub crawl.

Visit carterjonas.co.uk.

About Carter Jonas

Established in 1855, Carter Jonas is one of the biggest and most respected UK property partnerships. With 34 offices across England and Wales, its Cambridge hub is one of its principal locations. Its team advises and supports clients across residential sales and lettings, new homes, planning, development, commercial, property management, building consultancy, infrastructure, energy and as well as on rural matters, including estate management, sales and natural capital.

Established in 1855, Carter Jonas is one of the biggest and most respected UK property partnerships. With 34 offices across England and Wales, its Cambridge hub is one of its principal locations. Its team advises and supports clients across residential sales and lettings, new homes, planning, development, commercial, property management, building consultancy, infrastructure, energy and as well as on rural matters, including estate management, sales and natural capital.



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