Joanna Averley stands as one of the most influential figures in Britain’s contemporary planning landscape. With decades of experience in urban design, national planning policy, regeneration, and public-sector leadership, she has become a central voice in shaping how communities, cities, and infrastructure evolve across the country. Her work bridges policy, practice, design, and delivery in a way very few professionals achieve.
Early Career and Professional Foundations
Joanna Averley’s journey in the planning and built-environment sector began more than three decades ago. From the very start, she pursued a career grounded in a belief that planning is more than a technical discipline; it is a social responsibility. Her early roles gave her exposure to the challenges of urban regeneration, design quality, and the complex relationship between planning authorities, communities, and developers.
A major highlight of her early career was her involvement in the large-scale regeneration work in Manchester following the 1996 bombing. This project demanded a sophisticated integration of planning, design, transport, and city development strategies. For Averley, the experience would become a foundation for her future work, teaching her that planning is far more than maps, policies, and documents—it is a tool that shapes the lives, opportunities, and wellbeing of residents.
Her ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery quickly set her apart in the field. She developed a reputation for being both technically strong and deeply people-centred, understanding that planning must reflect the lived experiences of the communities it serves.
Leadership Roles in National and Strategic Organisations
Before stepping into her current national leadership role, Joanna Averley held several prestigious positions across influential UK institutions. One of the most significant was her work with the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, widely known as CABE. As Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Design and Planning Advice, she helped guide the country’s approach to design quality, public space, and long-term development strategy.
CABE was central to shaping public understanding of good design in Britain, influencing countless housing schemes, regeneration projects, school buildings, and public-sector developments. Averley’s leadership contributed to raising expectations for design standards across the UK, making quality—and not just quantity—a key part of the planning conversation.
She later served as Chief Executive of LandAid, a major charity focused on reducing youth homelessness through partnerships with the property industry. This role demonstrated her commitment to social impact and equitable development, qualities that have continued throughout her public career.
Another influential position was at the Centre for Cities, a think tank dedicated to understanding the economic and social dynamics of Britain’s urban centres. As Chief Executive, she deepened her understanding of how planning interacts with economic growth, productivity, transport networks, and local government capabilities.
Her collective experience across these organisations positioned her as a rare leader with expertise spanning design, social justice, economic development, strategic planning, and urban policy.
Contributions to Major Infrastructure Projects
Joanna Averley is also well known for her involvement in some of the country’s most complex infrastructure and railway planning projects, including High Speed 2 and Crossrail 2. These schemes required extensive coordination between local authorities, government departments, engineering teams, communities, and environmental bodies.
Her work on these projects highlighted her ability to navigate the intricate world of infrastructure planning, where economic necessity, environmental sensitivity, community concerns, and political oversight intersect. She consistently advocated for development that respects place identity, improves public transport access, and contributes positively to long-term urban growth.
Her involvement in such national-scale projects further strengthened her profile as a planner capable of bridging technical demands with broader social priorities.
Appointment as Chief Planner of the United Kingdom
In 2020, Joanna Averley was appointed Chief Planner for England, a position that places her at the heart of national planning policy. The Chief Planner plays a key role in advising government ministers, interpreting planning legislation, shaping reforms, and supporting local authorities across the country.
Her appointment came at a time when planning—as a political and public issue—was under immense scrutiny. The demand for housing was rising, economic pressures were growing, and debates around design quality, green infrastructure, and climate-resilient development were becoming more urgent. Her leadership therefore carries significant national importance.
As Chief Planner, she has focused on several core priorities:
- Strengthening planning capacity within local authorities
- Improving design quality and ensuring developments support strong community environments
- Supporting housing delivery in a sustainable, balanced way
- Promoting digital tools and modern planning systems
- Encouraging more transparent, public-focused engagement in decision-making
- Advancing climate-sensitive planning approaches
Her emphasis on capability and capacity is particularly important, as many planning departments face high workloads and limited resources. Through guidance, support programmes, and policy frameworks, she works to ensure local authorities are equipped to meet national expectations.
A Vision for Design-Led Planning
One of Joanna Averley’s defining qualities is her consistent belief that planning should elevate the quality of places, not simply approve development. Her design background has shaped her perspective that well-considered environments promote healthier lifestyles, social cohesion, economic vitality, and long-term sustainability.
Her advocacy for design codes, local design frameworks, and community-driven placemaking has helped push design quality to the forefront of national conversations. These approaches encourage local authorities, developers, and communities to collaborate meaningfully, ensuring developments reflect local heritage, character, and ambition.
She has also highlighted the importance of green spaces, walkability, public transport access, and environmental resilience as integral parts of development planning. Her influence in this domain ensures that design excellence remains a core objective within the planning system.
Influence on National Housing and Development Policy
The UK’s housing challenge remains a dominant national issue, and Joanna Averley holds a key position in shaping how the country responds to it. Her work seeks a balance between timely delivery and design integrity, promoting sustainable growth rather than rapid but poorly planned expansion.
Through her guidance, planning reforms increasingly reflect:
- Clearer housing needs assessments
- Stronger design principles
- Environmental protections
- Digital planning tools
- Community-focused development strategies
- Resilient infrastructure integration
Her understanding of both policy and on-the-ground challenges gives her a credible and respected voice across different sectors of the planning world—from local councillors and planning officers to private-sector planners, architects, engineers, and national policymakers.
Commitment to Education, Mentorship, and the Planning Profession
Beyond policy and leadership roles, Joanna Averley is known for her commitment to supporting the planning profession itself. She has regularly engaged with students, early-career planners, design bodies, and professional organisations to promote the importance of planning as a public service career.
Her public speaking, mentoring, and educational contributions aim to inspire the next generation of planners to think broadly about the role they play in shaping society. She emphasises ethics, responsibility, community engagement, and long-term vision as core components of the profession.
Her advocacy promotes planning not as a technical bureaucracy, but as a creative, meaningful, and socially impactful career path.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Joanna Averley continues to lead a national transformation in how planning is understood, delivered, and valued. Her influence reaches across national policy, local planning practice, infrastructure development, design culture, and professional education.
Her legacy is built on:
- Championing design quality at a national scale
- Strengthening planning capacity and capability
- Supporting sustainable and community-focused housing delivery
- Integrating large infrastructure with local planning needs
- Promoting modern, digital, and transparent planning systems
- Advocating for the social role of planning in improving lives
Few figures in contemporary planning have had such wide-ranging and lasting impact.
Conclusion
Joanna Averley is not only a leader in planning policy but a visionary shaping the future of Britain’s urban and rural environments. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to better places, stronger communities, and sustainable development. Through her work at local, regional, and national levels, she has become one of the most respected voices in the UK’s built-environment sector.
Her influence continues to guide how planning evolves—ensuring that development serves people, enhances communities, and supports a thriving future for the entire country.
