Assistant Town Planner

TipTopJob; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established rural and development consultancy in South West England is seeking an Assistant Town Planner. In this full-time role, you will assist in a variety of planning applications, conduct site visits, and liaise with clients and local authorities. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate with a degree in Town Planning and has a genuine interest in rural planning. The position offers competitive salary, APC support, and opportunities for career progression in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Structured APC support

Career progression opportunities

Flexible working options

Exposure to diverse planning work

Qualifications

• Positive and proactive individual, recently graduated or up to 2 years experience in planning.
• Interest in rural and regional planning.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning applications and supporting documents.
• Conduct site visits and appraisals.
• Research planning policies and local plan information.
• Support with appeals and representations to local plans.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Report writing skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Assistant Town Planner : South West (Rural and Development Focus)

Location: South West England (Devon/Somerset/Cornwall area)

Salary: GBP25,000 : GBP32,000 (depending on experience) + benefits

Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are delighted to be working on behalf of a well-established rural and development consultancy in the South West to recruit an Assistant Town Planner to join their successful planning team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career planner to gain hands-on experience in a varied and rewarding role, supporting a busy team involved in rural, residential, and agricultural planning projects across the region.

About The Company

Our client is a respected name in the South West property sector, with a long history of advising landowners, developers, and rural businesses. Their planning team works closely with in-house professionals across development, estate management, and agency services, offering clients a truly joined-up approach.

With a strong pipeline of work and ambitious growth plans, they are now looking to strengthen their planning division with an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Town Planner.

The Role

You will work on a wide range of planning applications, appeals, site appraisals, and land promotion strategies : with a particular focus on rural and semi-rural development. You'll be supported by experienced planners and encouraged to develop your skills across all areas of the planning process.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications and supporting documents
• Conducting site visits and assisting with appraisals
• Researching planning policies, designations, and local plan information
• Supporting with appeals and representations to local plans
• Liaising with clients, local authorities, and other consultants
• Providing general administrative and project support to senior planners

About You

We're looking for a positive, proactive individual who is either recently graduated or has up to 2 years experience in planning.

You'll Ideally Have

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI-accredited preferred)
• A genuine interest in rural and regional planning
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

MRTPI or APC progression support will be offered to the successful candidate.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Structured APC support and mentoring
• Genuine career progression opportunities within a growing team
• Flexible working options and a strong team culture
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of planning work in a beautiful part of the country

Neil Ellerton of Penguin Recruitment for more information