Town Planner (Planning Consultancy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Planner to join their Planning Consultancy team in Birmingham. The role involves providing commercial planning advice, preparing appraisals, drafting statements, and managing project delivery. Candidates should possess a degree in town planning, preferably a postgraduate qualification, and have chartered status. Strong communication, organisational, and technical skills are essential. Join a collaborative team working on diverse projects in a growing planning consultancy.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning required.
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject preferred.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in devising planning strategies and assessing site histories.
• Prepare briefing notes to evaluate planning permission likelihood.
• Draft clear planning statements to support development proposals.
• Manage project delivery and budgetary controls.
• Monitor planning applications and liaise with clients.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Technical skills

Knowledge of UK planning system

Education

Degree level qualification in town planning

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject

Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA)

Job description

Role Overview

The Planning Consultancy team in Central Birmingham specialises in providing commercial planning advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients. We advise on development proposals throughout all stages of the planning process, from feasibility and plan promotion to application, environmental impact assessment and appeal. Our projects range from city‑centre regeneration sites, tall buildings and high‑density housing to detailed listed building reuse. We act for developers, land owners, house builders, registered providers, financial institutions, strategic promoters, retailers and operators.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude. Candidates must have private sector consultancy experience (and possibly local authority experience), a proven ability to deliver to a high standard, strong communication skills, a passion to share their knowledge, and a desire to learn and contribute to our team’s ongoing success. As a Planner, you will have a good knowledge of the planning process, including applications, permitted development, policy frameworks, plan promotion and the appeal process. You will prepare appraisals, draft statements, negotiate with authorities and stakeholders, and deliver projects independently and collaboratively on large‑scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in devising planning strategies, assessing site’s planning history and relevant policies
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission for housing or employment uses
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals
• Assisting in the planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering projects
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP to incorporate transport or sustainability advice into clients’ plans
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to feedback

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in town planning
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject
• Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA)
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in the private sector setting
• Strong technical skills
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development
• A desire to work in a growing planning team, supported by fellow professionals
• Strong organisational and communication skills

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.