Senior Town Planner

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Employee resource groups

Support for health & wellbeing

Training and mentoring

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne to provide planning and development advice. The ideal candidate offers knowledge of the UK planning system, preferably from a consultancy or local authority background, along with good communication and organizational skills. This role includes responsibilities like preparing planning statements, managing projects, and working within a supportive team. Benefits include hybrid working arrangements and a focus on personal development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in the UK planning system.
• Experience in local authority or private sector setting.
• Ability to prepare and review planning documentation.

Responsibilities

• Devising planning strategies and assessing planning history.
• Preparing briefing notes for planning permission likelihood.
• Drafting clear planning statements to support proposals.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.

Skills

Knowledge of the UK planning system

Good technical and IT skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in town planning

Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject

Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS)

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach and local expertise to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

The Major Projects Planning and Development Team within Planning Consultancy specialises in providing commercial planning and development advice to a wide‑range of private and public sector clients, supporting the delivery of major projects in the social infrastructure sector. We are currently working on landmark projects nationally (and occasionally internationally) across healthcare, life science, education, defence and housing sectors, including large projects in Central London, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude and a desire to progress to a long‑term career in planning consultancy and be in a client‑facing position. Candidates should have some private‑sector consultancy or local‑authority experience, a desire to learn and be part of a close‑knit supportive team, be diligent in their work and have a pro‑active attitude. In return they will be supported by a team with a proven track record of developing people to an excellent standard and fast‑tracking career advancement.

You will be a Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process including planning applications, permitted development and policy frameworks. You will be well‑versed in using critical thinking to prepare planning appraisals and strategies, the preparation and review of all planning documentation for developments, and the associated negotiations with planning authorities and stakeholders.

We’re looking for Planners with demonstrable experience, with the confidence and initiative to lead on projects with senior support and work within a team on long‑term large‑scale projects.

A Little More About Your Role

• Devising planning strategies, assessing site’s planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan, and national planning policy and guidance.
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission.
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way to support development proposals.
• Reviewing third‑party documents and other planning deliverables to ensure consistency and validity.
• Assisting with the planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.
• Joining negotiations with planning authorities and other planning stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP and external organisations.
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Degree level qualification in town planning and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Good technical and IT skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in a growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. We offer a hybrid working policy with the flexibility to work from home two days a week, alongside collaboration in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences and support an inclusive culture. Our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, providing a Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP offers “WSP My Hour”, part‑time and flexible working arrangements, and the option to purchase additional leave.

Your development: We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, and chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.