Planning minister John Healey has announced a ??1.8 million treasure trove to fund bursaries for those hoping to train as town planners, opening the way for more graduates to enter the profession.
The scheme will provide places and support with living costs to more than 180 planning students at 16 universities across the country.
Students awarded bursaries are asked to agree to work for two of their first five years of employment after qualifying in the public sector.
The minister said: "We have reformed the planning system so it is faster, fairer and better at fulfilling its crucial role of delivering the homes this country needs and providing critical energy and transport infrastructure.
"But we also need a new generation of planners to make sure we are competitive in the global economy and meet the Government's ambitious low carbon goals. That's why I'm providing the full funding for over 180 students to complete high-level training so they have the right skills to raise standards in the public sector and shape future development in the UK."
