Town Planner in Colchester)

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

Job summary

A leading UK planning consultancy in Colchester is looking for a Senior Planner to manage planning applications and provide expert advice. The role includes mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to business development within a supportive and innovative team environment. Ideal candidates should have a MRTPI qualification or be working towards it, along with substantial planning experience. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Flexible working environment

Progression opportunities

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified or working towards chartership with significant experience.
• Experience in consultancy or local authority planning.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage complex planning applications.
• Provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders.
• Support major planning projects from inception to delivery.
• Contribute to business development initiatives.
• Mentor junior colleagues.

Skills

Valid MRTPI qualification or working towards

Consultancy or local authority planning experience

Knowledge of UK planning system

Strong report-writing skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

MRTPI qualification

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.