Assistant Planner

Carrington West; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Planning Consultant to support site assessments and planning applications. This role involves engaging with landowners and stakeholders and requires strong organisational and research skills. Candidates should be working towards professional qualifications in planning. The position offers excellent career growth within a supportive environment and exposure to a wide variety of projects. Interested candidates should submit their CV or contact for more information.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic planning and development assessment.
• Confidence in communicating with stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for developing technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to site identification and assessments.
• Meet with stakeholders to understand site opportunities.
• Prepare planning strategy recommendations.
• Assist with various planning applications and submissions.
• Monitor planning applications and consultations.
• Coordinate third-party consultants.
• Attend public consultations and local meetings.

Skills

Organisational skills

Research abilities

Communication skills

Education

Working towards professional qualifications (e.g., RTPI)

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Planning Consultant/Planning Consultant

Location: Bedfordshire

Salary: Up to £40,000 DOE

The Role

• Contribute to site identification and assessment, reviewing technical and policy constraints, Local Plan progress, and Neighbourhood Plans to determine development potential.
• Meet with landowners, developers, and agents to understand site opportunities, discuss planning considerations, and maintain a database of development requirements.
• Prepare site appraisals, early‑stage development assessments, and planning strategy recommendations to support land promotion and acquisition decisions.
• Assist senior planners with planning applications, pre‑app submissions, appeals, fee proposals, and preparation of supporting documents.
• Review enquiries, carry out policy research, and check reports for accuracy and alignment with planning policy and project strategy.
• Monitor Local Plan preparation, planning applications, and relevant consultations, helping to identify opportunities for client involvement.
• Help coordinate third‑party consultants, quotations, and supporting technical inputs.
• Assist with materials for public consultations and attend events, client meetings, stakeholder discussions, Parish Council sessions, and Planning Committee (with note‑taking responsibilities).

About You

You will be someone with experience in strategic planning, development assessment, and land promotion. You should be confident communicating with a range of stakeholders and enthusiastic about developing your technical skills.

• Demonstrate strong organisational and research abilities.
• Proactively learn about planning policy and legislation.
• Work towards professional qualifications (e.g., RTPI) with full support from the business.

Why Apply

This role offers an excellent pathway into planning consultancy, giving you exposure to both strategic and development management work, a wide variety of projects, and long‑term professional development opportunities within a supportive team.

To apply or find out more, please send your CV to Georgia Cookson or call 02393 876 099 for a confidential conversation.