Principal Town Planner

ZipRecruiter; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking planning consultancy in Stamford is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead high-profile planning applications and appeal processes. The role involves managing client relationships, mentoring junior team members, and staying updated on policy developments in the UK planning system. This position offers a competitive salary of £45,000 - £65,000 per annum, a bonus, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working model

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Tailored benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex planning applications and appeals.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK planning system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation and submission of planning applications.
• Provide commercially informed planning advice to clients.
• Represent clients in negotiations with local authorities.

Skills

Lead on complex planning applications

Manage client relationships

Mentor junior team members

Negotiation with stakeholders

Strong communication skills

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

Full MRTPI membership

Job description

Job Description

Principal Town Planner - Stamford | Consultancy | £45,000 - £65,000 per annum (DOE)

Location: Stamford (Hybrid working options available)

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: £45,000 - £65,000 per annum (DOE) + bonus + benefits

We are representing a well-regarded, forward-thinking planning consultancy based in Stamford. This firm is known for delivering bespoke, commercially minded planning strategies that consistently unlock value and secure planning success.

Due to sustained project growth and a number of key wins, they are looking to appoint a Principal Town Planner to lead on high-profile planning applications, appeals, and strategic land promotion.

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team with a reputation for solving complex planning challenges—especially in rural and edge-of-settlement contexts. The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of residential and mixed-use developments, including significant planning appeals, housing land supply disputes, conversions, and more.

You will:

1. Lead on the preparation and submission of planning applications, appeals, and strategic site assessments.
2. Manage client relationships, providing commercially informed planning advice.
3. Represent clients in negotiations with local authorities, stakeholders, and at appeal hearings/inquiries.
4. Mentor junior team members and contribute to the strategic growth of the consultancy.
5. Stay abreast of policy developments, particularly changes to the NPPF, permitted development, and rural housing delivery.

Key Requirements

• RTPI-accredited degree and full MRTPI membership.
• Proven experience leading complex planning applications and appeals.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK planning system and recent changes to the NPPF.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise clients clearly and strategically.
• A proactive, commercially aware mindset and passion for shaping sustainable, deliverable development outcomes.

Why Join?

• Be part of a consultancy that's actively influencing planning outcomes on major housing schemes—including recent High Court and appeal successes.
• Flexible working model: enjoy a balance of office collaboration and home-based autonomy.
• Work in a culture that values high-quality output over red tape, with a flat structure and clear progression routes.
• Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and tailored benefits package.

To apply or find out more, please contact Sofia at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email sofia.conte