Town Planner

Binnies; Greater London, Redhill; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Binnies is seeking a Chartered RTPI Planner to lead planning and consenting across our high‑profile water infrastructure projects, including White Horse Reservoir and the Thames to Southern Transfer. The role focuses on delivering DCOs and coordinating with regulators, communities and stakeholders.

You will join our Environmental Services team in London with flexible working options between the Project Office, home, and regional RSK offices, contributing to planning capability growth and

Qualifications

• Chartered through the RTPI.
• Thorough understanding of the DCO process and discharge of requirements.
• Understanding of the Permitted Development Rights of statutory undertakers.
• Extensive experience in the Town and County Planning Application process.
• Experience advising on other consents/permits such as HRA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including report writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the preparation and submission of DCO applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Assist with the production of planning consents, planning applications and pre-applications.
• Provide advice on permitted development powers and other consents and permits.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and communities.
• Support bids for major projects and other environmental projects to understand the planning requirements.
• Keep our Environmental Services team at the forefront of emerging planning legislation and lead training to share updates and build knowledge across the team.

Skills

RTPI Chartered

DCO process

Stakeholder liaison

Report writing

UK driving licence

Job description

The Vacancy

Binnies is seeking a Chartered RTPI Planner to play a key role in planning and consenting across our high‑profile project portfolio.

Our team is currently delivering two of the UK’s most significant water infrastructure projects: the White Horse Reservoir (formally South East Strategic Reservoir Option SESRO) and the Thames to Southern Transfer (T2ST) — both nationally significant developments progressing through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. Together, these projects form essential components of a major strategic water resource system for the south east, helping to secure long term water resilience for millions of people. This is a unique chance to be part of a multi disciplinary team shaping critical infrastructure that will have lasting regional and environmental impact.

White Horse Reservoir will be the initial focus of the role, supported by a range of planning, consenting and other environmental professionals. However, there will be opportunities to work across our diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects in the water and environmental sectors.

Successful applicants will need to be able to work out of the Project Office in central London (weekly) but otherwise can work flexibly between home or our Redhill or other RSK offices if preferred.

You will be part of our national Environmental Services team, working alongside specialists in ecology, landscape, EIA and water. In this role, you’ll provide leadership on town and country planning matters and play a key part in strengthening and growing our planning capability across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the preparation and submission of DCO applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Assist with the production of planning consents, planning applications and pre-applications.
• Provide advice on permitted development powers and other consents and permits.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and communities.
• Support bids for major projects and other environmental projects to understand the planning requirements.
• Keep our Environmental Services team at the forefront of emerging planning legislation and lead training to share updates and build knowledge across the team.

Essential Requirements

• Chartered through the RTPI
• Thorough understanding of the DCO process including discharge of requirements
• Understanding of the Permitted Development Rights of statutory undertakers
• Extensive experience of the Town and County Planning Application process
• Experience in advising on other consents/permits such as HRA
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including report writing
• Hold a full UK driving licence

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in preparing documentation and representing clients at appeals, hearings, examinations etc.
• Understanding the regulatory process for water infrastructure, including linkages with water companies business plans, Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans and Water Resources Management Plans, RAPID.

About Us

We develop intelligent solutions using our award‑winning integrated planning and design approach to deliver functional infrastructure and lasting environmental and social legacies. This is backed by a culture that has stayed true since our foundation over 100 years ago. We create new possibilities for humanity through our innovative approach to delivery.

Together with our clients, we are always striving to find a smarter way to deliver projects. From providing low‑carbon, sustainable and resilient water solutions, flood alleviation and environment services, to connecting people with insights and data. Our business exists to improve the quality of life for our local communities today and for generations to come.

Binnies is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then. At RSK we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

We have always believed in employing, developing and rewarding talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people‑first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?

Benefits

• Private Health Insurance
• Income Protection
• High Street Vouchers
• Life Assurance
• Annual Leave Purchase
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Mental Health Support
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Sectors

• Environment
• Water