Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner in Knutsford)

Penguin Recruitment; Knutsford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Planning Consultant/Principal Consultant to join their expert team. This exciting role involves providing high-quality planning advice, managing applications, and mentoring junior staff. With a focus on compliance with national planning policies and legislation, you will collaborate with a talented team to shape the future of planning. Enjoy a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and offers a range of projects for both public and private sector clients. If you are passionate about planning and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect 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 Principal Consultant.
• Strong knowledge of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist planning advice ensuring compliance with policies.
• Manage planning applications, prepare statements, and lead meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and drive business growth.

Skills

RTPI membership

Knowledge of UK planning legislation

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Degree in Planning or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Senior Planning Consultant / Principal Consultant

Location: Knutsford

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:

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

Key Skills & Experience:

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

Why Join?

1. Be part of a supportive and expert team, working on a wide range of projects for both public and private sector clients.
2. Enjoy a sociable and positive working environment.
3. Develop your professional skills with opportunities for career progression.
4. 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?