Assistant Planner/Planner

Bidwells LLP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 8% matched pension

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Birthday off

Wellness day

Private medical cover

Lifestyle discounts

Job summary

Bidwells is seeking an ambitious Town Planner (Assistant or Planner level) to join the London team. The role covers a diverse portfolio in London and beyond, shaping places, supporting regeneration and delivering developments with lasting community impact.

You’ll gain exposure to high-profile schemes, mixed-use, education, residential and commercial projects, within a large Planning team undergoing growth. Collaboration across departments and strong client relationships are emphasised.

Qualifications

• Accredited by RTPI preferred
• Active RTPI member or working towards chartered status
• Experience in town planning consultancy or local authority
• Strong planning policy knowledge and client communication skills
• Proficient IT and report writing skills
• Valid driving licence

Responsibilities

• Assist with site assessments and planning histories
• Prepare Planning Statements and planning applications
• Monitor and promote applications in line with client instructions
• Lead planning appeals where appropriate
• Manage client relationships and deadlines
• Support cross-department collaboration and business development

Skills

RTPI accredited

Excellent IT

Team player

Driving licence

English communication

Education

Undergraduate/Postgraduate Planning

RTPI membership.

Tools

MS Office

Job description

At Bidwells, we're looking for an ambitious Town Planner (Assistant or Planner level) to join our growing London team. Working across a diverse portfolio of projects in London and beyond, you'll help shape places, support regeneration, and deliver developments that leave a lasting impact on communities.

This role will give you excellent exposure to some of the city's most impactful schemes, offering unmatched experience and growth. You'll engage in some of London's high-profile city redevelopments as well as significant mixed-use, education, residential and commercial developments.

Our Planning team is one of the largest in the UK, and we're currently experiencing an exciting period of growth. Recent senior hires and new team members in London have further strengthened our already highly successful team, bringing additional expertise, fresh perspectives and valuable client relationships. This has expanded our reach and contributed to a growing pipeline of exciting projects across the team. It's a fantastic time to join Bidwells, as we continue to invest in our people, strengthen our market-leading reputation and capitalise on an exciting pipeline of work.

You will join a dynamic and highly collaborative department where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional development are genuinely valued. From regular departmental updates and team socials to cross-disciplinary project work, you'll work alongside experts from across the business, broaden your experience and contribute to some of the UK's most exciting projects.

Our planning team also collaborates closely with our development, agency, capital markets, rural and building teams, providing access to major mixed-use projects, science and technology initiatives, and a wide range of other exciting developments.

What you'll be doing

• Assist with site assessments to establish development potential, including policy analyses and planning histories.
• Prepare Planning Statements to support applications.
• Prepare, submit, monitor and promote planning applications in accordance with agreed client instructions.
• Undertake planning and enforcement appeals by the most appropriate method. It is expected that this post would take full responsibility for leading such appeals.
• Client relationships: manage and anticipate client needs, ensuring deadlines are achieved. Answer client correspondence and telephone queries professionally and promptly, and represent client interests throughout the planning process.
• Maintain commercial awareness regarding profitability and agreed fee proposals. Record professional time accurately on a daily basis.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, national policy and Government guidance. Proactively monitor Local Government websites and the publication of development plan documents within the region.
• Network and build internal and external relationships.
• Understand our other departments and services to enable cross-selling and identify new opportunities for the business. Share information internally.

About you

• Relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate qualifications, preferably in Town/Urban Planning (or similar) and accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Actively working towards, or a Chartered Member of, the RTPI.
• Previous experience working for a town planning consultancy or local authority.
• Passionate about planning and committed to providing professional, proactive and innovative solutions.
• Excellent IT (MS Office), report writing, English and communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• A team player whilst also being able to work independently.
• Full driving licence.

What's in it for you

• Competitive salary: we recognise and reward talent with a generous salary and bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we're committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
• Comprehensive benefits: including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.
• Professional development: continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
• Innovative culture: be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
• Family friendly: we offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.
• Work-life balance: we value your wellbeing and offer agile working to support it.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells is one of the first property consultancies in the UK to receive B Corp accreditation, reflecting our commitment to being a responsible, purpose-driven business. As a certified B Corporation, we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation, and creating long-term value for our clients, communities and the environment.

Whilst we're a major player in the property sector, Bidwells remains a privately-owned, independent Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. We give our people autonomy and take the time to listen.

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.

Recruitment agencies: Bidwells do not require agency support for this role. Bidwells only pay agency fees where we have a signed agreement in place and that agency has been previously contacted and specifically directed by a member of our recruitment team. We do not pay agency fees for speculative or unsolicited CVs submitted other than via our careers website and recruitment process.

Department: Planning Contract type: Permanent Hours: 37 Salary: DOE

REF-(phone number removed)