Senior Town Planner

DHA Planning Group; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

DHA Planning Group is seeking an ambitious Senior Planner in the United Kingdom. This role offers the opportunity to lead a diverse portfolio of projects, managing client relationships and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have a solid grounding in the UK planning system, at least three years of experience, and experience in green and grey belt planning is advantageous. A MRTPI qualification is required or actively pursued. A full UK driving license is necessary for site visits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in planning consultancy or local authority.
• Full UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from inception through planning application to decision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on larger projects.
• Liaise with local planning authorities and statutory consultees.

Skills

UK planning system understanding

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Mentoring

Green belt planning experience

Education

MRTPI qualification or actively pursuing membership

Job description

Are you a town planner who thrives on variety? We're looking for an ambitious Senior Planner to join our growing team and lead a diverse and genuinely exciting portfolio of projects from residential through to commercial development and navigating the nuances of green belt and grey belt policy

This is a role for someone who wants real ownership. You'll lead projects from the very first client conversation through to decision — bringing together consultants, building relationships with local planning authorities, and delivering outcomes your clients will remember. You'll also play a valued role on our larger, complex projects, contributing your expertise within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

What you'll be doing

• Leading smaller projects end-to-end — from inception through planning application to decision, managing timelines, budgets and client relationships throughout.
• Acting as a key contributor on medium and large-scale projects, working alongside our multidisciplinary team.
• Liaising with local planning authorities and statutory consultees to build constructive working relationships.
• Preparing and reviewing planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents to a high standard.
• Keeping pace with evolving planning policy — particularly emerging green belt and grey belt guidance — and applying that knowledge to client work.
• Mentoring and supporting junior colleagues, helping to build team capability.

What we're looking for

• A solid grounding in the UK planning system and a genuine understanding of how local government works in practice.
• At least three years' experience in a planning consultancy or local authority setting.
• MRTPI qualified, or actively working towards membership.
• Experience in green belt, grey belt, residential or commercial planning would be a strong advantage.
• A full UK driving licence (you'll be attending sites and client meetings across the region).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the confidence to present to clients and stakeholders.