Senior Town Planner - Major Projects

WSP; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an enthusiastic Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne to provide planning and development advice for major projects in the social infrastructure sector. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and chartered status, along with good knowledge of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities include drafting planning statements, managing project budgets, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Join a supportive environment with opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge and experience of the UK planning system.
• Experience in local authority or private sector environment.
• Desire to work in a growing planning team.

Responsibilities

• Devising planning strategies and assessing planning history.
• Preparing briefing notes for planning permission.
• Drafting clear planning statements for development proposals.
• Reviewing third-party planning documents.
• Managing project delivery and budgets.
• Liaising with clients and teams for consultation feedback.

Skills

Good technical and IT skills

Commercial approach to planning consultancy

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree level qualification in town planning or related field

Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS)

Job description

Overview

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. The Newcastle office is recruiting an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude for a client‑facing planner position.

Responsibilities

You will be a Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process, including planning applications, permitted development and policy frameworks.

• Devising planning strategies, assessing a site’s planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan; as well as 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.

Qualifications

• 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

We offer a supportive team with a proven track record of developing people, fast‑tracking career advancement and an exceptional market reputation. The role includes opportunities to work on landmark projects nationally and internationally.

Job Code: #L1-JC2