Graduate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

Long Service Awards

Dedicated graduate training and 3+ yrs

Flexible working options considered

Full-time, permanent position

Broad exposure to residential, client,

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in Exeter is seeking a Graduate Town Planner to join a busy planning consultancy. This entry‑level role offers hands‑on experience across residential, commercial, rural and heritage schemes, with mentoring from experienced planners and exposure to the full development process.

You will support the preparation of planning statements and applications, undertake policy research, liaise with authorities and clients, and participate in site visits and meetings as you build

Qualifications

• Masters in Town Planning (RTPI‑accredited preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in planning policy and development management.
• Previous planning placement or internship is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of planning statements, appraisals and supporting documents.
• Undertake planning policy research and analysis.
• Assist with assessing and appraising new development opportunities.
• Support submission of planning applications and related documentation.
• Assist with planning appeals and manage applications from submission to determination.
• Liaise with local authorities, clients and consultants and participate in site visits.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Proactive mindset

Learning orientation

Education

Masters in Town Planning

RTPI-accredited (preferred)

Job description

Graduate Town Planner

Location: Exeter

Salary: £27-30,000

A well-established and experienced planning consultancy is seeking a Graduate Town Planner to join its team in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Planning graduate to gain hands‑on experience across a varied portfolio of planning projects, working alongside experienced planning professionals and supporting clients throughout the planning and development process. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their technical planning knowledge, strengthen their professional skills and gain valuable exposure to a broad range of projects, including residential, commercial, rural and heritage schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of planning statements, planning appraisals and supporting documents
• Undertake planning policy research and analysis
• Assist with assessing and appraising new development opportunities
• Support the preparation and submission of planning applications
• Assist with planning appeals and associated documentation
• Help manage planning applications from submission through to determination
• Liaise with local planning authorities, clients and other consultants
• Monitor application progress and assist with responding to consultee and local authority comments
• Assist with coordinating information from architects and specialist consultants
• Participate in site visits and client meetings
• Attend planning committees and other relevant meetings where appropriate
• Assist with community engagement and consultation activities
• Support the preparation of fee proposals and project scopes
• Develop an understanding of planning strategy, development management and the wider planning process

About the Candidate

• A Masters in Town Planning, ideally RTPI-accredited
• A genuine interest in town planning and a strong desire to develop a career within the profession
• Previous planning experience, such as a placement or internship, would be advantageous but is not essential
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good research, analytical and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• A proactive, motivated and ambitious approach to professional development
• An interest in planning policy, development management and the wider development process
• A willingness to learn, take responsibility and develop professionally

Benefits

• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Dedicated graduate training and professional development
• Flexible working options considered
• Full-time, permanent position
• Broad exposure to residential, commercial, rural and heritage planning projects