Senior Town Planner
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Town Planner to join our growing team in York.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take ownership of a varied portfolio of projects, working across residential, commercial, mixed-use and strategic development schemes throughout York and the wider Yorkshire region.
You will play a key role in providing high-quality planning advice, managing complex planning applications and appeals, developing client relationships and supporting the delivery of successful development projects.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the UK planning system, excellent communication skills and the confidence to manage projects independently while contributing to the wider success of the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate a range of planning projects from initial feasibility and site appraisal through to planning permission and implementation.
- Prepare, submit and manage detailed planning applications, including full, outline, reserved matters and change-of-use applications.
- Provide strategic planning advice to clients, identifying opportunities and potential planning constraints.
- Undertake planning policy research and interpret local and national planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
- Advise on development proposals in relation to the City of York Local Plan and relevant planning policies.
- Manage planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and inquiries where required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local planning authorities, consultants, stakeholders and other key parties.
- Liaise with architects, developers, landowners, technical consultants and other project professionals to coordinate development proposals.
- Prepare planning statements, supporting reports, representations and professional planning advice.
- Monitor changes in planning legislation, policy and guidance and advise clients accordingly.
- Support and mentor junior members of the planning team where appropriate.
- Contribute to business development activities and help identify new project opportunities.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and commercially aware planning professional who can demonstrate:
- A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards chartership.
- Significant experience working within a planning consultancy, local authority or development environment.
- A strong working knowledge of the UK planning system and development management process.
- Experience managing planning applications and projects independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong report-writing, analytical and presentation skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Confidence dealing with clients, local authorities and multidisciplinary project teams.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a genuine interest in the built environment.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working on residential, commercial, mixed-use or strategic development projects.
- Knowledge of the planning policy and development landscape across York and North Yorkshire.
- Experience dealing with Green Belt, heritage and conservation-related planning matters.
- Experience preparing and managing planning appeals.
- An established network of professional contacts within the Yorkshire property and development sector.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, reflective of experience and qualifications.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Support with RTPI membership and continuing professional development.
- Exposure to a diverse and interesting portfolio of development projects.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- The opportunity to take ownership of projects and develop client relationships.