Senior Town Planner

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

Job summary

A leading UK Housebuilder in Essex is seeking an experienced Senior Town Planner with housebuilder experience. In this influential role, you will guide the planning process from site identification to consent. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication and negotiation skills, with a solid understanding of UK planning. This role offers competitive salary, career progression, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible working options

Genuine opportunities for progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience with housebuilder, residential developer, or planning consultancy.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy on new and existing residential developments.
• Prepare, manage, and submit planning applications.
• Liaise and negotiate with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Report-writing skills

Project management

Education

MRTPI qualified (or working toward)

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 development
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report‑writing skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently
• MRTPI qualified (or working toward) preferred

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.