Sophie Stanton

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SOPHIE STANTON

Chartered Senior Town Planner and RTPI North East Young Planner of the Year 2023, with diverse experience across the planning and architecture sectors. Currently based in Manchester and working as a Senior Planner at P4 Planning Ltd, I relocated from the North East in September 2023 after completing an MSc in Urban Planning from Newcastle University, where I was awarded the David Lock Award for my research on inclusive regeneration in Newcastle’s LGBTQI* scene. This work was later published in Cities Forum’s Urban Action Avenue.I have delivered planning advice and managed applications across a wide range of sectors including housing, heritage and Listed Buildings, retail, renewable energy, tourism, sport, transport and community development. My experience spans full planning applications, Listed Building Consents, Lawful Development Certificates, prior approvals, condition discharge/variation, and strategic plan-making in partnership with private clients, charities, community groups and local authorities. I also have experience speaking at planning committees, where I have successfully secured approvals for complex and sensitive proposals.Passionate about planning for equitable and inclusive places, I champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the built environment. I actively collaborate with charities and organisations such as LGBT Foundation, Village Angels and Manchester Pride to support socially impactful and community-led projects. I also volunteer as Chair of the RTPI North West EDI Task Group and serve on the RTPI North West Young Planners and Regional Activities Committee.In 2025, I was recognised as one of The Planner’s Women of Influence. Early 2026 I was awarded Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion by BAME Planners Network. As a published author, community activist and mentor, I am committed to supporting the next generation of planners while continuing to advocate for inclusive, diverse and vibrant urban environments.