Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent residential development firm is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join their team in Chelmsford. This role involves leading the planning strategy for residential developments and liaising with local authorities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in housebuilding or planning consultancy, strong negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of the UK planning system. The company offers a competitive salary package along with flexible working options, making it a great opportunity for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible working options

Opportunities for progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience working for a housebuilder or planning consultancy.
• Strong understanding of residential development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy on residential developments.
• Prepare and submit planning applications.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Experience in housebuilding

UK planning system knowledge

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Report-writing skills

Project management

Education

MRTPI qualification (or working toward)

Job description

Senior Town Planner - Housebuilder Experience Essential

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Employer: Leading UK Housebuilder

For a well-established, reputable residential developer, we are seeking a Senior Town Planner to join a growing team. This role offers a strategic and influential position within a successful development business, ideal for an experienced planning professional with a strong background in the housebuilding sector.

The Role

As Senior Town Planner you will guide the business through the planning process from site identification to consent, working 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 qualification (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 are a driven Senior Town Planner looking for your next challenge in residential development, we would love to hear from you. Apply confidentially today or contact me directly for an informal discussion.