Senior Planner in Cambridge)

Penguin Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housebuilder is seeking an experienced Senior Town Planner to join their Cambridge team. This role involves leading planning applications, managing processes across sites, and providing strategic advice to development teams. The ideal candidate will be MRTPI qualified with proven expertise in residential or mixed-use planning. Offering a salary of £55,000-£65,000 with benefits, this position emphasizes collaborative culture and professional development, and includes the option for hybrid working.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus

Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in residential or mixed-use planning within a developer, consultancy or local authority setting.
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead on preparation and submission of planning applications.
• Manage planning processes across multiple sites.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Residential or mixed-use planning

Strong understanding of UK planning legislation

Excellent report writing

Negotiation skills

Education

MRTPI qualified or working towards membership

Job description

Senior Town Planner - Cambridge | Award-Winning Housebuilder

Permanent | £55,000-£65,000 + benefits + bonus

Are you an experienced Town Planner ready to take the next step with a forward-thinking developer? We're working with a highly regarded, design-led housebuilder with an exceptional reputation for creating sustainable, high-quality communities across the East of England.

Due to continued growth, they're seeking a Senior Town Planner to join their Cambridge-based planning team.

The Role

You’ll play a key role in promoting and delivering a diverse portfolio of residential and mixed‑use developments. Working closely with internal design, technical, and land teams, as well as external consultants, you’ll help shape planning strategy and guide projects from early feasibility through to consent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation and submission of planning applications and appeals
• Manage planning processes across multiple sites, ensuring compliance and smooth delivery
• Liaise with local authorities, consultants, and stakeholders
• Provide strategic planning advice to the land and development teams
• Monitor changes in planning policy and assess potential impacts on future development opportunities

About You

• MRTPI qualified (or working towards full membership)
• Proven experience in residential or mixed‑use planning – ideally within a developer, consultancy, or local authority setting
• Strong understanding of UK planning legislation and local plan policy
• Confident communicator with excellent report writing and negotiation skills
• Passionate about sustainable design and place‑making

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected developer known for their thoughtful design ethos, sustainable practices, and collaborative culture. You’ll be joining a close‑knit planning team within a company that values professional development and gives genuine autonomy to shape projects from the ground up.

Location: Cambridge (hybrid working available)

Salary: £55,000-£65,000 + car allowance + bonus + benefits