Coleraine planner Emily Wray shortlisted for prestigious UK Young Planner of the Year award
Dr Emily Wray, a Planning Assistant with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Friday 16 October 2026
A Coleraine planning professional is celebrating national recognition after being named among the UK finalists for a prestigious award honouring the next generation of talent in the planning profession.
Dr Emily Wray, a Planning Assistant with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, has been shortlisted for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Young Planner of the Year Award after already securing the Northern Ireland title.
Her achievement places her among outstanding young planning professionals from across the UK, with the national winner due to be announced at an awards ceremony in London this December.
Recognition for leadership and professional development
Dr Wray earned praise from the RTPI Northern Ireland judging panel for her commitment to professional development, academic excellence and helping other young planners establish their careers.
As chair of the RTPI NI Young Planners Committee, she has played a leading role in organising events, creating professional opportunities and supporting those at the beginning of their careers.
The judges said:
“Emily demonstrates a strong commitment to her professional development and to supporting the wider planning community. Her dedication to academic excellence is particularly commendable, alongside her ongoing efforts to organise events for young planners and to actively support and nurture early-career professionals.”
They also described her as an “excellent ambassador for planning in Northern Ireland”, recognising the wider contribution she has made beyond her role within the council.
Pride at reaching the national final
Dr Emily Wray pictured with Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins and Principal Planning Officer, Jennifer Lundy.
Reacting to her selection, Dr Wray expressed her delight at being recognised alongside talented professionals from other regions.
She said:
“Winning the regional award was such an honour, so it’s amazing to be included on the national finalist list alongside so many amazing young planners from across the regions.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, congratulated Dr Wray on her achievement.
She said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Emily and well-deserved recognition of her commitment to planning and professional development.
“I wish her every success at the national awards in London.”
Celebrating excellence in planning
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence recognise outstanding achievements across the planning profession, celebrating individuals, organisations and projects that make a positive contribution to communities.
The Young Planner of the Year category highlights emerging professionals who demonstrate leadership, commitment and the potential to shape the future of planning.
For Dr Wray, the national nomination represents a further milestone following her Northern Ireland success, while also bringing recognition to the work of young planning professionals within Causeway Coast and Glens.
She will now represent Northern Ireland among the national finalists when the winners are revealed in London in December.
