Viral Desai, the leader of CAPs young planners network, has won the 2015 Young Planner of the Year Award from the UKs Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Viral was one of 4 short listed candidates and the winner was announced  at the RTPI Awards Ceremony held on 6 July at London’s Shaw Theatre in front of an audience of over 400 planners.  Viral received the Award from RTPI President Janet Askew and Steve Quartermain, the UK Government’s Chief Planner.

Clive Harridge, CAPs Secretary-General said:

“The Award is thoroughly deserved and reflects Viral’s outstanding work as head of CAP’s Young Planners Network which has expanded substantially under his leadership. The Award also recognises Viral’s contribution to the West Midlands RTPI and his excellent work as a Consultant with Amec Foster Wheeler. Congratulations Viral!”

Roisin Willmott, RTPI Awards Advisor said:

“The judges found Viral to be very personable and an enthusiastic planner with good knowledge of the planning system, and clear views as to the role of planning in promoting sustainable development. Viral is a strong role model for other planners and engaging people in the planning story. He has contributed a great deal to the institute, the Commonwealth Association of Planners and through his outreach work.”

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The RTPI represents 23,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards. The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run by the RTPI for over 30 years to recognise planning excellence.

RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence.