Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK housebuilder is seeking a Senior Town Planner in Chelmsford to guide the planning process for residential developments. You will lead planning strategy, manage applications, and liaise with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has proven experience in housebuilding and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for progression within a stable and respected team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working options

Opportunities for progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in housebuilder or planning consultancy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy on new and existing residential developments.
• Prepare, manage, and submit planning applications.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Provide planning advice to internal teams.
• Support site appraisals and identify new land opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation.

Skills

Experience with housebuilders

Understanding of UK planning system

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Report writing skills

Education

MRTPI qualification or pursuing

Job description

Senior Town Planner - Housebuilder Experience Essential

Location: Chelmsford
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Employer: Leading UK Housebuilder

I am partnering with a well-established, reputable residential developer to recruit a Senior Town Planner to join their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional with a strong background in the housebuilding sector to take on a strategic and influential role within a successful development business.

The Role

As Senior Town Planner, you will play a key role in guiding the business through the planning process from site identification to consent. You'll work closely with land, design, and technical teams to shape high-quality, deliverable residential schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy on new and existing residential developments
• Prepare, manage, and submit planning applications
• Liaise and negotiate with local authorities, stakeholders, and consultants
• Provide expert planning advice to internal teams
• Support site appraisals and help identify new land opportunities
• Ensure compliance with relevant planning legislation and policy changes

About You

• Proven experience working for a housebuilder, residential developer, or planning consultancy with housebuilder clients
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and residential developmentli>
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently
• MRTPI qualified (or working toward) preferredli>

Why Apply?

• Join a respected and stable business with a strong project pipeline
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive planning team
• Genuine opportunities for progression
• Competitive salary package and flexible working options

If you're a driven Senior Town Planner looking for your next challenge in residential development, I'd love to hear from you. Apply confidentially today or contact me directly for an informal discussion.