Assistant Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing planning consultancy is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Town Planner to join its team in Chelmsford. This role offers an excellent opportunity for early-career planners to develop their skills in a supportive environment. You will support senior colleagues, conduct research, engage with stakeholders, and progress your professional development. The consultancy is known for its friendly culture and commitment to high-quality work, with strong mentorship provided.

Benefits

Mentorship and RTPI support

Strong progression opportunities

Friendly work culture

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Passion for planning and eagerness to learn.
• Confident in communicating with clients and local authority officers.

Responsibilities

• Support senior colleagues on planning applications and appraisals.
• Conduct research and prepare reports.
• Engage with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Assistant Town Planner - Chelmsford

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: £28,000-£35,000 + benefits

A respected and fast-growing planning consultancy (name withheld for confidentiality) is looking to appoint an enthusiastic Assistant Town Planner to join its successful Chelmsford team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated early‑career planner – whether you're a recent graduate, part‑way through your APC, or already working at Assistant level – to develop your skills within a supportive, high‑performing environment.

The Role

• Support senior colleagues on a wide range of planning applications, appraisals, and appeals
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and assist with client presentations
• Engage with local authorities, stakeholders, and project teams
• Contribute to site appraisals and policy analysis
• Progress your professional development toward chartership (RTPI support provided)

About You

• Ideally educated to degree level in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Passionate about planning, with strong analytical and report‑writing skills
• Keen to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility
• Confident communicating with clients and local authority officers
• Proactive, organised, and enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative team

Why This Role?

• Join a consultancy known for its friendly culture and high‑quality work
• Work on a diverse project portfolio across residential, commercial, and mixed‑use schemes
• Benefit from close mentorship and structured RTPI support
• Enjoy strong progression opportunities as the team continues to grow

If you're ready to take the next step in your planning career and want to join a supportive consultancy where you can truly develop, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply or request a confidential conversation, please get in touch.

Job Info

• Job Title: Assistant Town Planner
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Chelmsford
• Posted: Jan 18th 2026
• Closes: Feb 18th 2026
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time