Principal Town Planner

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in London is seeking a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join their team. This role involves providing expert planning advice, managing diverse projects, and drafting planning applications. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of MRTPI chartered experience and be well-versed in UK planning legislation. This position offers a hybrid working model and competitive salary with benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Collaborative professional environment

Career development pathways

Qualifications

• MRTPI chartered with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years).
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedure.
• Experience managing complex planning applications, appeals, and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice to clients.
• Lead on major projects and manage a varied portfolio of planning work.
• Draft and submit planning applications and appeals.

Skills

MRTPI chartered

Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation

Confident communicator

Collaborative across teams

Education

Significant post-qualification experience (7+ years)

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner / Associate director
Location: London or Nottingham
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join a well-regarded Law Firm based in either their London or Nottingham offices. This is a rare chance to work within a truly multidisciplinary environment that brings together legal expertise and planning consultancy under one roof.
This role offers high-level exposure to complex and high-profile projects across the UK, with a strong pipeline of work covering infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.

Key Responsibilities:
·Provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice to a broad client base including developers, landowners, and public sector bodies
·Lead on major projects and manage a varied portfolio of planning work
·Draft and submit planning applications, appeals, and development plan representations
·Prepare planning appraisals and due diligence reports
·Contribute to business development and client relationship management
·Support and mentor junior team members
About You:
·MRTPI chartered with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years)
·Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedure
·A background in either consultancy, local government, or a legal/planning interface environment
·Experience managing complex planning applications, appeals, and negotiations
·Confident communicator with strong client-facing skills
·Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines
What's on Offer:
·Competitive salary and benefits package
·Hybrid working model (3 days a week in-office)
·A collaborative, professional environment with access to legal and planning expertise
·The opportunity to work on nationally significant developments and policy matters
·Clear pathways for career development and progression
Looking to elevate your planning career within a unique, cross-disciplinary environment?
If you are a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner looking to join a team that will really value and help you progress, please do pop your CV across to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)

Reference - 60449