Graduate Town Planner (5719)

Arup; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Nottingham is seeking a Town Planning Graduate. This role involves preparing statutory consent applications, providing planning policy advice, and conducting research to support local planning initiatives. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and demonstrate a passion for sustainable development. The opportunity starts in September 2026, and applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold or be on track to achieve a Bachelor's degree in town planning or a related degree.
• A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Must have a growth mindset and be eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Prepare applications for statutory consents under relevant Acts.
• Provide planning policy advice at local and national levels.
• Undertake research to support Local Plans.

Skills

Sustainable development

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Education

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

Masters in a RTPI accredited course (preferred)

Job description

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.

The Opportunity

With 150 town planners across 17 UK offices, we work on some of the most high-profile and complex projects, providing end-to-end support and advice to public authorities, infrastructure developers, property companies and landowners through the planning and policy development process, engaging with communities to deliver more inclusive and sustainable towns and cities. Examples of our recent projects include: delivering the award-winning redevelopment of Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Greater Manchester Places for Everyone Integrated Assessment, Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent Order and research such as our Cities Alive' research which explores social, technological, economic and political drivers shaping future cities across the globe.

As a Town Planning Graduate, You Can Expect To Gain Experience Across a Wide Range Of Sectors And Disciplines, Including But Not Limited To The Following

• 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.

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.

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.

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

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.