Senior/Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Lincoln; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking planning consultancy in Lincoln is seeking a Senior/Principal Town Planner to lead a variety of planning projects. The ideal candidate will have MRTPI qualification and experience in rural and residential planning, along with strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, a hybrid working environment, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and discretionary bonus

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Professional development support

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified or working towards chartered status with strong understanding of planning policy.
• Proven experience in rural and residential planning.
• Consultancy or client-side experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects from rural conversions to high-end residential schemes.
• Manage complex planning applications and appeals.
• Provide strategic advice to clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple projects independently

Genuine interest in design-led, sustainable development

Education

MRTPI qualification or eligibility for chartered membership

Job description

Senior / Principal Town Planner - Lincolnshire (Hybrid). Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 + bonus + benefits.

Are you a talented Senior or Principal Town Planner looking to take the next step in your career? We're working with a forward‑thinking, design‑led planning consultancy based in Lincolnshire, known for delivering high‑quality rural, residential, and commercial developments across the region and beyond.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing practice that combines planning expertise with architectural creativity — producing bespoke schemes that balance design quality, sustainability, and commercial success. Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, the team is now looking for an experienced planner to take on a key role within the business.

The Role

You’ll lead a range of planning projects — from rural conversions and farm diversification to high‑end residential and mixed‑use schemes. Working closely with architects, developers, and landowners, you’ll play a hands‑on role in shaping unique developments that make a lasting impact.

Key responsibilities

• Managing complex planning applications and appeals from concept through to determination.
• Preparing and submitting planning and prior approval applications.
• Providing strategic advice to clients and stakeholders.
• Representing clients at planning committee and appeal hearings.
• Supporting business development and mentoring junior colleagues.

About You

You’ll be MRTPI qualified (or working towards chartered status) with a strong understanding of planning policy and development management. You'll bring consultancy or client‑side experience, excellent communication skills, and a proactive, commercially aware approach to problem‑solving.

Requirements

• MRTPI (or eligible for chartered membership).
• Proven experience in rural and residential planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• A genuine interest in design‑led, sustainable development.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• Hybrid working with flexible hours.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Professional development support and career progression to Associate.
• A collaborative, close‑knit team environment with a real passion for quality planning and design.

If you’re looking to join a growing consultancy where your expertise and creativity will be valued — and where you can make a visible impact on high‑quality rural and residential projects — we’d love to hear from you.

Job Info

• Job Title: Senior/Principal Town Planner
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time
• Posted: Oct 19th 2025