Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK planning consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join their Colchester team. The role involves managing planning applications, providing expert advice, and contributing to business development. Ideal candidates will possess MRTPI qualifications and experience in local authority planning. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and genuine progression opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Progression opportunities

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified or significant experience towards chartership.
• Demonstrable experience in consultancy or local authority planning.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage complex planning applications.
• Provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders.
• Support major planning projects from inception to delivery.

Skills

MRTPI qualification or working towards chartership

Experience in consultancy or local authority planning

Knowledge of the UK planning system

Strong communication skills

Proactive and collaborative approach

Job description

Senior Planner - Colchester | Leading UK Planning Consultancy

Location: Colchester (Hybrid working)

Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits

Sector: Town Planning / Development Consultancy

Are you an experienced Town Planner looking to take the next step in your career with a forward-thinking consultancy known for delivering high-quality, creative planning advice across the UK?

An established national planning and development consultancy is seeking a Senior Planner to join their growing Colchester team. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a supportive and collaborative business that values innovation, professional development, and work-life balance.

The Role

You’ll be involved in a diverse range of projects across residential, commercial, mixed‑use, and strategic land sectors. Working alongside experienced Directors and a multi‑disciplinary team, you’ll manage your own caseload of planning applications, appeals, and local plan representations – while contributing to business development and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, submitting, and managing complex planning applications and appeals
• Providing expert advice to clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
• Supporting major planning projects from inception to delivery
• Contributing to business development and marketing initiatives
• Mentoring junior colleagues and assisting with team growth

About You

• MRTPI qualified (or working towards chartership with significant experience)
• Demonstrable experience in consultancy or local authority planning
• Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system and development processes
• Strong report‑writing, communication, and client‑facing skills
• Ambitious, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively

Why Join?

• Join a respected national consultancy with a strong reputation for quality and integrity
• Enjoy a flexible, friendly, and supportive culture
• Genuine progression opportunities to Principal and Associate level
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including hybrid working

If you’re ready to take the next step in your planning career and want to work on exciting projects with a highly regarded team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Neil Ellerton in confidence for an informal discussion