Graduate Town Planner

Arup; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and design consultancy in the UK seeks candidates for a town planning role. The successful candidate will prepare applications for statutory consents and provide planning policy advice. We're looking for innovative thinkers with a Bachelor's degree in town planning or a related field, who are motivated by sustainable development. Ideal candidates will be passionate about creating a better world and ready to tackle challenges. This position starts in September 2026 and does not offer visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Hold or are on track to achieve a Bachelor's degree in town planning or related degree.
• Completion of a Masters in a RTPI accredited course is ideal.
• A passion for sustainable development is key.

Responsibilities

• Prepare applications for statutory consents under the Town and County Planning Act.
• Provide planning policy advice and develop policy at local and national levels.
• Conduct research and develop evidence bases to support Local Plans.

Skills

Critical thinking

Passion for sustainable development

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in town planning or related degree (2.1 or above)

Master's degree in a RTPI accredited course

Job description

Job Overview

We recognise that planning sits at the heart of complex debates about the future of our communities. At its best, development can deliver shared and sustained value - benefiting the local communities and environments which host development, whilst providing positive returns for those investing in these projects. Arup shapes development proposals at each stage of the process. We provide policy and strategic advice, supporting local authorities in preparing Local Plans and their accompanying technical evidence base to shape how places grow and develop over time and to guide development management decision‑making. We give strategic advice on development proposals, manage consultation, assess impact, manage applications for planning consent and support applications through decision‑making and post‑decision processes. We also provide stakeholder engagement, reporting and appeal services. Our holistic range of services ensures we can support a wide range of public and private sector clients.

Responsibilities

• Preparing applications for statutory consents, including under the Town and County Planning Act and the Planning Act (2008).
• Providing planning policy advice and developing policy, at both local and national level.
• Undertaking research and developing evidence bases to support Local Plans.
• Undertaking Impact Assessments in support of applications.
• Digital planning programmes and research.

Collaborative Environment

Our town planners work collaboratively with specialists from a wide range of backgrounds, including environmental, design, energy, sustainability, legal, costing, engineering and infrastructure, and transactions to ensure our advice is pragmatic and delivers value.

Candidate Profile

Is this role right for you? We're looking for candidates who hold or are on track to achieve a Bachelor's degree in town planning or related degree (2.1 or above). This role is ideally suited to candidates who have or are in the process of completing a Masters in a RTPI accredited course. We're looking for changemakers: a passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key. Innovative minds: We're looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo. Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working. Adaptable adventurers: You're ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Start Date

You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026.

Application Information

Please note, candidates are permitted to submit only one application per recruitment cycle. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and selecting the role and location(s) that best align with your skills and interests before applying.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK without our sponsorship.