Development Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Development Planner to join their in-house team. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career planners looking to engage with a broad range of projects, from small rural developments to large urban extensions. Responsibilities include managing planning applications, drafting statements, and liaising with stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and support for professional development towards Chartered RTPI membership.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Professional development support

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and policy framework.
• Industry experience is desirable in consultancy or local authority.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning applications for a diverse development portfolio.
• Lead on planning projects and provide policy advice.
• Support projects through pre-construction stages.

Skills

Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Confident communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Development Planner

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne | North East

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Development Planner to join a well-established in-house planning team for a major landowner and developer based in the North East.

This role would suit a Planner at an early stage of their career, including recent graduates or those with some industry experience, who are looking to gain exposure to a broad and diverse portfolio of projects.

You will be involved in schemes ranging from small-scale rural and agricultural developments through to large strategic urban extensions, working across sectors including residential, commercial, renewables, minerals, heritage and conservation, landscape, tourism, and leisure.

The Role

As a Development Planner, you will support and manage planning activity across a varied land and development portfolio, working closely with statutory bodies, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing, submitting, and managing planning applications across mixed‑use, residential, commercial, and renewable developments
• Leading on planning projects and providing internal advice on planning policy and development potential
• Undertaking site appraisals, feasibility and viability assessments, and risk analysis
• Drafting and reviewing planning statements and associated application documents
• Managing external consultants providing technical input
• Supporting projects through all pre‑construction stages and ensuring ongoing planning compliance during construction and operation
• Representing the organisation at planning committees, public inquiries, and stakeholder meetings
• Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, development partners, and consultancy teams
• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of UK planning legislation, the NPPF, and local planning policy

About You

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline (RTPI‑accredited or working towards accreditation)
• Some industry experience is desirable (consultancy, local authority, developer, property, or construction background)
• Good all‑round understanding of the UK planning system and policy framework
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to represent an organisation professionally
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Commercially aware with an interest in the development process
• Full UK driving licence

The Offer

• Full‑time role (35 hours per week)
• Attractive working environment based on Newcastle Quayside
• Flexible working arrangements, including some homeworking
• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional development and mentoring support towards Chartered RTPI membership
• Cycle to Work scheme

Interested?

If you're looking for a new challenge and want to be part of a forward‑thinking planning consultancy, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).