Junior Town Planner in Lancaster)

Penguin Recruitment; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment are seeking a Junior Planner to join the Technical Team in Lancaster. The role involves supporting planning matters from site appraisal through to obtaining planning permissions, with exposure to land identification and acquisition.

You will work with land, technical, commercial and development teams to maximise value and contribute to the company’s land pipeline. A planning degree is preferred, MRTPI status is advantageous but not essential.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic planning graduate or professional with understanding of the UK planning system.
• Interest in housebuilding or residential development.
• Knowledge of planning applications and processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support planning applications and strategies across residential sites.
• Assist with converting land interests into consent.
• Support identification, appraisal and assessment of new opportunities.
• Develop planning strategies to maximise site value.
• Coordinate with external planning consultants and advisors.
• Liaise with Local Planning Authorities and stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and monitor until determination.
• Stay updated on planning policy and legislation.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of UK planning system

Team-oriented approach

Education

Planning degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Job Title: Junior Planner

Location: Lancaster

Salary: £28,000/£35,000

Penguin Recruitment are delighted to be working exclusively with a well-established and highly regarded residential developer who are looking to appoint a Junior Planner to join their Technical Team in Studley.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Junior Planner to join a successful housebuilder with an established land pipeline and ambitious growth plans. The successful candidate will support the planning team in securing planning consents across a range of residential development opportunities, whilst also gaining exposure to the identification and acquisition of new land.

Reporting into the Planning Manager / Planning Director, you will support planning matters from initial site appraisal through to the successful delivery of planning permissions.

The Role

As Junior Planner, you will work closely with the wider land, technical, commercial and development teams to support the planning potential of existing land interests and help strengthen the company's future land pipeline.

Key responsibilities will include

• Supporting planning applications and strategies across a portfolio of residential development sites.


• Assisting with the conversion of existing land interests into implementable planning consents.


• Supporting the identification, appraisal and assessment of new development opportunities.


• Assisting with the development of planning strategies to maximise the value and potential of sites.


• Supporting the management of external planning consultants and other professional advisors.


• Assisting with liaison with Local Planning Authorities, statutory consultees, local stakeholders and other relevant bodies.


• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications and monitoring them through to determination.


• Keeping up to date with planning policy and legislation and understanding its impact on current and prospective sites.


• Working collaboratively with land, technical, commercial, sales and development teams.


• Providing support to internal stakeholders on planning matters, risks, opportunities and potential solutions.


• Supporting the resolution of planning conditions, Section 106 obligations and other matters required to bring sites forward.


• Providing planning input into land appraisals and acquisition decisions under the guidance of senior team members.


• Developing strong relationships with planning authorities and other key stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic planning professional or graduate with a good understanding of the UK planning system and an interest in housebuilding or residential development.

You will ideally have

• Some previous experience within a planning consultancy, housebuilder, developer or local authority would be advantageous but is not essential.


• A good understanding of the planning system and an interest in residential development.


• Some experience or academic knowledge of planning applications and the planning process.


• An interest in how planning decisions can impact land value and development viability.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills.


• The ability to organise your workload and manage multiple projects and deadlines with support.


• A proactive, enthusiastic and solutions-focused approach.


• A relevant planning degree or equivalent qualification.


• Working towards MRTPI status would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading residential developer where you will gain valuable experience across an established portfolio of sites and play an important role in the company's future land and development strategy. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, alongside excellent training, support and long-term career progression.