Senior Town Planner ( Infrastructure Planning)

WSP; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Consultant – Town Planning and Consenting in the Bristol area. The role focuses on major infrastructure projects, providing planning inputs and managing consent processes within diverse sectors.

You will coordinate applications, advise clients, negotiate with statutory bodies and lead delivery with multidisciplinary teams. The position supports ongoing professional development and hybrid working arrangements across the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
• Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.

Responsibilities

• Support and take responsibility for town planning inputs on major infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical advice to clients and support managing consenting requirements.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of consent applications under Town and Country Planning Acts and Planning Act 2008.
• Support negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Engage with teams across disciplines, supervising others in project delivery.
• Understand project roles and contribute to team success and relationships.
• Develop own knowledge and skills to build the team’s internal knowledge base.

Skills

Town planning

Consenting

Stakeholder liaison

Client advice

Project delivery

Education

Degree level in town planning (or equivalent)

RTPI membership (or eligible)

Job description

Senior Consultant – Town Planning and Consenting

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is an award‑winning consultancy that employs the largest number of chartered town planners across the UK, operating within both the infrastructure and property markets. It has never been a more exciting time to join WSP’s market‑leading Infrastructure Planning Team. Our success is built on employing highly skilled consenting specialists that have experience in serving a diverse portfolio of clients in the energy, renewables, nuclear, net zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation sectors. We work at all stages of the consenting process from early feasibility, application preparation and delivery of consents through construction and on a variety of projects across sectors.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Support and take responsibility for aspects of the town planning or consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs etc).
• Providing technical advice to clients and support managing their consenting requirements, demonstrating awareness of client's expectations and needs.
• Support co‑ordinating the preparation and submission of consent applications which may include applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts, the Planning Act 2008 or other regimes (as listed above).
• Supporting negotiations with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Engages with teams across a variety of disciplines, supporting and supervising others in their work/project delivery roles.
• Understands project and team roles and actively supports and contributes to achievement, building positive relationships within the team.
• Proactively engages with developing own knowledge and skills to build ability and team's internal knowledge base.
• Awareness of project finances and some project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
• Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.

What's in it for you?

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

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.