Assistant Planner

Vistry Group PLC; Gilson; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing developer in the UK is seeking an Assistant Planner to join their team in Gilson. The role involves appraising new development opportunities, implementing planning strategies for housing sites, and securing planning permissions. Ideal candidates will have a degree accredited by the RTPI and strong communication skills. The position offers competitive salary, annual bonus, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary and annual bonus

Company car, car allowance or travel allowance

Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Previous experience working for a house builder or Local Authority.
• Understanding of development viability.
• Discretion and integrity in attitude and approach.

Responsibilities

• Appraise land with potential for development in accordance with the Company's requirements.
• Prepare bid documents and planning reports.
• Submit and monitor pre and post planning approvals.

Skills

IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Excellent communication skills

Strong negotiating and networking skills

Ability to monitor and manage budgets

A pragmatic approach to problem solving

Ability to assess and analyse information

Education

Degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Chartered membership of the RTPI or progress towards APC

Tools

Promap / CAD skills

Job description

In a Nutshell…

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planner to join our team within Vistry South West Midlands, at our Coleshill office. As our Assistant Planner, you will appraise new development opportunities. Implement strategies to achieve planning for housing sites. Assist in securing planning permissions which meet the requirements of Vistry Group and support post planning approval activities for major developments.

We value in‑person collaboration and team culture, but we’re also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated.

Let’s cut to the chase, what’s in it for you…

• Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
• Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
• Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service
• 2 volunteering days per annum
• Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
• Life assurance at 4× your annual salary
• Share‑save and share incentive schemes
• Employee rewards portal with many more benefits…

In return, what we would like from you…

• Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring, and Quality
• Degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Chartered membership of the RTPI or demonstrable progress towards completing Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
• A good understanding of the planning system including experience of preparing representations
• Preparation and submission of planning applications
• Ability to assess and analyse information
• IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to monitor and manage budgets
• A pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks accordingly
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy
• Discretion and integrity in attitude and approach
• Previous experience working for a house builder or Local Authority
• Previous experience in respect of strategic land
• Appeal experience (including Planning Inquiry)
• Experience managing Section 106 Agreements or working within CIL regimes
• Understanding of development viability
• Promap / CAD skills
• Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CDP)
• Strong negotiating and networking skills

More about the Assistant Planner role…

Appraise land with potential for development in accordance with the Company's requirements.

Prepare bid documents and planning reports to facilitate the acquisition of new land assets.

Monitor development plans and associated evidence base documents to identify new opportunities and to assess the impacts of emerging policy on existing sites and those being considered for acquisition.

Identify and coordinate appropriate consultant teams to prepare planning applications (note, overseen by Planning Manager).

Engage with local planning authorities and other relevant bodies and stakeholder groups regarding the development of sites. Assist in the coordination of planning consultation events as required.

Submit and monitor pre and post planning approvals and report these as required.

Assist the Planning Manager with the negotiation of planning permissions during an application's determination period, including preparing Section 106 heads of terms and monitoring S106 requests made by the LPA.

Submit and monitor S106 approvals and report these as required.

Monitor the Judicial Review period associated with planning permissions.

Consult with relevant internal departments within the company on all aspects of planning as and when necessary.

Ensure that contractual obligations are understood and complied with on every site. Liaise with the Planning Manager to ensure that landowners / agents are kept informed as required by the contractual agreements.

Provide regular updates to the Planning Manager and Land and Partnerships Director on the progress of planning applications and any significant proposals affecting the development environment within the operating area.

Where necessary, assist the Planning Manager / Land and Partnerships Director with planning appeals.

To ensure all work is carried out within an agreed budget and in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

Prepare scope of works, request fee proposals and make recommendations with regard to consultant appointments.

Work with the Group Land Administrator to ensure that Consultant Authorisation Forms and letters of instruction are duly authorised and logged.

Support the Group Land Administrator with regard to payment queries and liaise with accounts to ensure invoices are paid in line with Company procedures.

Finally, let’s tell you a bit more about us…

We build more than homes, we’re making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award‑winning employer means we live each day through our ethos—doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership‑led way, and you’ll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we’re a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five‑star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach.

Join us in making Vistry.