Planner / Planning Lead

Simpson Booth Ltd; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Booth Limited is seeking a skilled planning professional to manage applications for battery storage projects and engage with authorities and communities to secure permissions.

You will advise stakeholders, liaise with cross-disciplinary teams, and monitor policy changes while supporting development and acquisitions. A proactive, collaborative mindset and RTPI eligibility are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline.
• Experience in town planning within local authorities, consultancies or developers.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning regulations and policies.
• Experience with energy projects or grid infrastructure preferred.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills for planning applications and reports.
• Experience discharging planning conditions and S96a/S73 modifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines.
• Proactive, problem-solver; works independently or in a team.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
• Chartered RTPI membership preferred or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications for battery storage projects.
• Provide planning advice and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Engage with local authorities, consultants and community groups to secure permissions.
• Liaise with environmental, legal, and engineering teams to support development.
• Monitor changes in planning policy and guidance.
• Represent the organisation at planning committees and public inquiries.
• Assist in business development by identifying opportunities and proposals.
• Review and provide strategic planning advice to acquisition opportunities.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Planning regulations

Communication

Analytical skills

Project management

Discharging planning conditions

S96a / S73 modifications

Independent / team work

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Job description

Type: Permanent, full time, Hybrid (3 days onsite)

Our client is a fast growing company in the UK energy infrastructure sector. They identify, secure and deliver large scale developments that support the decarbonisation of the power system, working with a range of partners, advisors and stakeholders. They offer a modern, flexible working environment, a strong focus on work life balance and a culture that values initiative, collaboration and continuous improvement.

The Role

We are supporting our Client with an exciting opportunity within their growing Planning Team. As a member of the Planning and Design Team, you will be managing planning applications, engaging with stakeholders and supporting the delivery of energy developments projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional with experience in town planning within a local authority, consultancy, or developer environment.

Subject to level of experience, our Client is open to considering candidates at Planner level or Planning Lead level, with compensation appropriated accordingly.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage planning applications for largely battery storage projects.

Provide planning advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with UK planning legislation and local policies.

Engage with local authorities, consultants and community groups to facilitate planning permissions.

Liaise with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental, legal and engineering professionals, to support project development.

Monitor and respond to changes in planning policy, legislation and best practice guidance.

Represent the organisation at planning committees, public inquiries and stakeholder meetings.

Assist in business development activities by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposals.

Review and provide strategic planning advice to acquisition opportunities.

Key Requirements

Skills & Experience

Degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.

Experience in town planning within a local council, consultancy or developer.

Strong knowledge of UK planning regulations, policies and procedures.

Similar or adjacent sectors will be considered.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in preparing planning applications and reports.

Proven experience working on discharging planning conditions and preparing modification applications (S96a / S73).

Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets and deadlines effectively.

A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle.

Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for membership would be highly preferred.

Experience in energy projects, including renewable energy, grid infrastructure or major developments.

Due to current workloads, Simpson Booth regrets to inform that in the instance you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of your application, you are to consider your application unsuccessful at this time.