Town Planner

Technical Moves; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing developer in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a Planner to enhance residential development projects. The successful candidate will support the Planning Manager and coordinate various planning applications while ensuring compliance with high design and policy standards. Required qualifications include a relevant degree and comprehensive planning experience, along with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience in planning within a development company or local authority.
• Familiarity with planning submissions including outline and full applications.
• Good knowledge of planning policy and urban design principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Planning Manager with planning appraisals for new land acquisition opportunities.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and associated consent applications.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants.

Skills

Residential planning

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant planning qualification to degree level

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you a proactive and driven Planning professional looking to make an impact in residential development? We’re seeking a talented Planner to join our clients growing team and help deliver high-quality, sustainable communities across the East of England.

About the Role

As a Planner, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Planning Manager with the review, submission and management of planning applications, as well as the delivery of both immediate and strategic land opportunities. You’ll work closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure all developments meet the highest standards of design, placemaking and policy compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Planning Manager with planning appraisals for new land acquisition opportunities.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and associated consent applications through the Planning Portal in line with agreed deadlines.
• Co‑ordinate and manage external consultants, including ecologists, heritage advisors, landscape architects and designers.
• Contribute to the negotiation of Section 106 agreements and planning conditions.
• Produce clear, accurate and commercially aware written work, balancing policy, design and delivery considerations.
• Prepare Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) documentation as required.
• Attend pre‑application and community engagement meetings with local planning authorities and stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of planning policy, legislation and best practice relevant to residential‑led development.
• Participate in site visits and public consultations as required.

About You

• A relevant planning qualification to degree level and eligibility for RTPI membership (preferred).
• Minimum of five years’ experience in planning within a development company, consultancy or local authority (preferred).
• Proven experience in residential planning with a sound understanding of national and local planning policy, urban design and placemaking principles.
• Strong grasp of related disciplines including engineering, landscaping, ecology and heritage.
• Familiarity with the preparation and management of planning submissions (outline, reserved matters and full applications).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (preferred).
• Good knowledge of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (preferred).
• A team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Self‑motivated with strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Full UK driving licence required, with willingness to travel to development sites.

Why Join?

You’ll be joining a respected and forward‑thinking housing developer committed to creating exceptional places to live. They value innovation, collaboration and integrity — and offer a supportive environment where your professional development and contributions will truly make a difference.