Faces behind the build - Charlotte Hatton
People
24 Sep 2025
At Avant, it's our mission to make it possible for the next generation of house buyers to get on the housing ladder by opening the door to well built, affordable homes, in fantastic locations!
Our team put our customers at the heart of everything they do, so to find out more about the 'Faces behind the build', we've been speaking to members of our team to find out more about who they are, what they do and what they enjoy most about their job.
This month, we caught up with West Yorkshire's Regional Planner, Charlotte Hatton!
1. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me involves reviewing live planning applications and responding to queries. Much of my time is spent liaising with case officers and other consultees to ensure applications progress smoothly. My role also involves problem-solving, researching new sites, assessing policies and constraints, and preparing appraisals for the team based on these findings.
Additionally, I frequently communicate with solicitors regarding S106 documents, ensuring they are drafted and progressed in a timely manner so planning applications are not delayed. Once we have approval to progress a site, my time is focused on preparing the necessary planning documents, including cover letters, planning statements, health impact assessments, and any other supporting materials required for submission.
I also manage submission deadlines to ensure we meet target dates and then submit the application to the Council when ready. After submission, I continue to monitor and manage the application throughout the process to ensure it progresses smoothly.
2. What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I enjoy the variety the role offers, particularly the chance to meet and work with people across many different sectors. I value being involved in projects from the very beginning through to completion, as it allows me to see ideas develop into real outcomes. Each project is unique, which means I’m constantly learning and developing new skills, and there’s a great sense of achievement in seeing the results of hard work come to life.
3. How did you get into this role?
I have always had a passion for Geography, which led me to study it at the University of Liverpool before going on to complete a master’s in Town and Country Planning. As I didn’t initially know much about the industry, I began my career in an economic development team before moving to a private consultancy in Leeds. Over time, my experience sparked a strong interest in the residential sector, which ultimately led me to join Avant Homes as a Regional Planner for West Yorkshire.
4. Why did you want to join Avant Homes?
I saw it as an excellent opportunity to grow and develop my professional knowledge. The role offered me the chance to take ownership of planning applications, which I knew would help me build confidence and strengthen my decision-making skills. It also allowed me to focus on the residential sector specifically, enabling me to deepen my expertise and become more knowledgeable in this area.
5. What would you say are skills you need to possess to be successful in your role?
To be successful in this role, you need strong technical and analytical skills, as well as excellent communication abilities, since the role involves liaising with a wide range of people. Interpersonal skills are also essential, as you work closely with professionals from different sectors and members of the community. A high level of attention to detail is required to carefully review applications and ensure compliance, and adaptability is important to stay up to date with changes in policies or site requirements.
6. What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy running and staying active. I also like spending quality time with friends and family.
7. Tell us a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues wouldn't know about you?
I’ve travelled to many different places around the world, which has included volunteering in schools in Africa and Nepal to teach English, as well as taking on challenges like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and reaching Everest Base Camp.
8. If you could swap jobs with any other person in the company, who would it be and why?
If I could swap jobs with anyone in the company, it would be a Sales Advisor. I’ve always been interested in the process of selling properties, and I can imagine it must be very rewarding to help someone find their new home and guide them through that journey. I also like that the role is target-driven, with the team working together each day to achieve and exceed their goals.
9. What would you say to anyone looking to get into the housebuilding sector?
For someone looking to get into the housebuilding sector, it’s important to gain relevant experience in areas such as planning, construction, surveying, or property sales to develop a solid understanding of the industry. Building key skills like communication, project management, and analytical thinking is essential, alongside knowledge of planning regulations and sustainability practices. Staying informed about housing policies, market trends, and new technologies is also important, as is networking with industry professionals to learn about opportunities and best practices. Finally, being adaptable, proactive, and willing to take on challenges will help you succeed in this fast-paced and dynamic sector.
10. Describe the culture at Avant in three words
Ambitious, customer-centric and collaborative.
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