Planner / Senior Planner

DARA Capital Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

DARA Planning in London is seeking a Planner / Senior Planner to manage a variety of planning projects, prepare planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents. The role involves assessing proposals, site appraisals, and providing planning advice to clients across sectors.

The role requires liaising with local planning authorities, coordinating inputs from technical consultants, and supporting stakeholder engagement while monitoring policy and legislation.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, national and local planning policy.
• Experience preparing and managing planning applications, appeals, and related planning documents.
• Ability to analyse planning issues, undertake site and policy appraisals, and provide clear, commercially aware planning advice.
• Effective communication skills, including high-quality written work and client engagement.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage and contribute to planning projects, preparing applications and appeals.
• Liaise with local planning authorities and coordinate inputs from consultants.
• Support or lead stakeholder engagement and consultation activities.
• Monitor planning policy and legislation, advise on strategy and risk, support business development.

Skills

UK planning legislation

Planning applications

Site appraisal

Client engagement

Project management

Communication

Interpreting plans/drawings

Education

Planning degree

MRTPI desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

DARA Planning is a London-based independent planning and development consultancy supporting clients through every stage of the planning process, from early concept to planning permission and delivery. The team provides tailored, end-to-end planning and development services across all land uses, working with a diverse client base in the UK and internationally. The consultancy is known for its collaborative and transparent way of working, placing a strong emphasis on clear communication and partnership with clients and stakeholders. DARA Planning is results-driven, focusing on securing high-quality outcomes that balance commercial objectives with planning policy and local context.

Role Description

The Planner / Senior Planner will manage and contribute to a variety of planning projects, preparing planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents. The role involves assessing development proposals, undertaking site appraisals, and providing planning advice to clients across different sectors and land uses. Day-to-day responsibilities include liaising with local planning authorities, coordinating inputs from technical consultants, and supporting or leading stakeholder engagement and consultation activities. The Planner / Senior Planner will monitor relevant planning policy and legislation, advise on strategy and risk, and contribute to business development through proposals and client relationship management. This is a full-time, on-site role based in London.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, national and local planning policy, and development management processes.
• Experience preparing and managing planning applications, appeals, and related planning documents for a range of project types.
• Ability to analyse planning issues, undertake site and policy appraisals, and provide clear, commercially aware planning advice.
• Effective communication skills, including high-quality written work, report writing, and confident engagement with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines and work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Relevant degree in Planning or a related discipline; MRTPI (or working towards chartered status) is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a planning consultancy or local authority planning department; experience across mixed-use and complex urban schemes is an advantage.
• Proficiency with standard office software and ability to interpret plans, drawings, and technical reports.