Senior Town Planner

Carrington West; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Senior or Principal Town Planner to manage a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and strategic land projects in Kent. You will lead projects from client engagement to planning decision, delivering quality outcomes and commercial success.

The role offers autonomy, client-facing responsibility, and opportunities to influence planning strategy within a growing team in Kent. UK planning expertise and driving licence are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' planning experience in consultancy or local authority.
• MRTPI qualification or working towards chartered status.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system.
• Driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects from inception through determination.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and client relationships.
• Prepare and review planning applications, appeals and supporting docs.
• Attend and lead client meetings and discussions.
• Build relationships with Local Planning Authorities and consultees.
• Provide planning advice on residential, commercial and strategic projects.
• Stay updated on Green/ Grey Belt policy changes.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to large projects.

Skills

Planning expertise

Client-facing

Stakeholder presentation

Communication skills

Driver’s license

Education

MRTPI qualification or working towards

Tools

GIS

Job description

Senior or Principal Town Planner

Location: Kent

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior/Principal Town Planner to join a growing and highly regarded planning team in Kent. This role offers the chance to work across a diverse portfolio of projects, spanning residential, commercial, and strategic land developments, while gaining exposure to evolving planning policy, including Green Belt and Grey Belt considerations.

If you're a Senior or PrincipalTown Planner who enjoys variety, autonomy, and client-facing responsibility, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

The Role

As a Senior or Principal Town Planner, you will take ownership of projects from initial client engagement through to planning decision, managing the entire planning process while delivering exceptional service and commercial outcomes. You will also contribute to larger, more complex developments as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

• Leading planning projects from inception through to determination.
• Managing project programmes, budgets, and client relationships.
• Preparing and reviewing planning applications, appeals, and supporting documentation.
• Attending and leading client meetings.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with Local Planning Authorities and statutory consultees.
• Providing planning advice across a range of residential, commercial, and strategic development projects.
• Keeping up to date with changes in planning legislation and policy, particularly Green Belt and Grey Belt guidance.
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members to aid their professional development.
• Contributing specialist planning expertise to medium and large-scale projects.

About You

To be considered for this Senior or Principal Town Planner position, you should have:

• A strong understanding of the UK planning system and local government processes.
• A minimum of 3 years' planning experience gained within a consultancy or local authority environment.
• MRTPI qualification or be actively working towards chartered membership.
• Experience within Green Belt, Grey Belt, residential, or commercial planning projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence presenting to clients, stakeholders, and planning officers.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites and meetings across the region.

What's on Offer

• The opportunity to work on a varied and interesting project portfolio.
• Significant responsibility and project ownership.
• Career progression within a growing planning team.
• Exposure to complex and high-profile developments.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Senior or Principal Town Planner looking to advance their career with greater responsibility, varied project work, and genuine opportunities for progression.

Reference - 67500