Senior Town Planner Principal Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Planning Consultant to join a dynamic team in a well-respected Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with developers, architects, and local authorities, providing high-quality planning advice while ensuring compliance with national policies and heritage legislation. You will lead efforts in securing new projects and mentor junior staff, all within a supportive and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about planning and ready to make a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Car allowance

Annual leave increase for long service

Private health insurance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience for Senior Planner, 5 years for Consultant/Principal.
• Strong knowledge of NPPF and UK planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist planning advice and manage planning applications.
• Lead meetings with clients and local authorities for planning matters.

Skills

UK planning legislation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

RTPI membership

Education

Degree in Planning or related discipline

Job description

• Job Type: Permanent
• Work Hours: Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Planning Consultant / Principal Consultant
Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
Salary: Competitive plus benefits including bonus scheme, car allowance, annual leave increase for long service, and private health insurance
Flexible Working: 3 days office-based, 2 days working from home, with flexible start/finish working hours

About the Role:

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic planning consultant to join a well-established Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy. The role will sit between Senior Planner and Principal Consultant, where you will work closely with a talented team, Directors, developers, architects, and local authorities to deliver high-quality planning advice and ensure compliance with national planning policies, heritage legislation, and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist planning advice to clients and colleagues, ensuring full compliance with planning policies and legislation.
• Manage and advise on planning applications and appeals, preparing planning appraisals and fee estimates.
• Prepare and submit Planning and Appeal Statements, and present evidence at Hearings when required.
• Attend and lead meetings with clients, consultants, and Council Officers, including Planning Committees and public consultation events.
• Liaise with local planning authorities and other stakeholders to negotiate planning matters effectively.
• Manage and mentor junior staff, ensuring their development and maximising team efficiency.
• Lead efforts in securing new instructions from both existing and new clients, driving business growth.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and planning practices.

Key Skills & Experience:

• RTPI membership.
• A degree in Planning or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a planning consultancy or similar role (minimum of 2 years for Senior Planner, 5 years for Consultant and Principal Consultant).
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• Experience in writing appeal statements, preparing planning statements, and providing pre-application advice.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Why Join?

• Be part of a supportive and expert team, working on a wide range of projects for both public and private sector clients.
• Enjoy a sociable and positive working environment.
• Develop your professional skills with opportunities for career progression.
• Contribute to shaping the future of planning in a collaborative, growth-focused team.

If you're passionate about planning, eager to contribute your expertise, and looking to make an impact in the planning sector, we'd love to hear from you!

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)