Development Planner

Penguin Recruitment; North East; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy is seeking a Development Planner to join their team in Newcastle upon Tyne. The ideal candidate will support planning activities across various developments and work with a broad range of stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing planning applications, conducting feasibility assessments, and representing the organization at planning committees. The role requires a degree in Town Planning and includes professional development towards Chartered RTPI membership, along with competitive salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Cycle to Work scheme

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline required.
• Some industry experience is desirable for the role.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications.
• Lead on planning projects and provide internal advice.
• Undertake site appraisals and risk analysis.

Skills

Understanding of UK planning system

Strong analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem-solving skills

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)