Town Planner - Water Industry

Adecco; Stanmer; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Senior Town Planner to support planning compliance and secure consents for development projects. This role requires strong knowledge of planning legislation, particularly in the water industry, and at least 5 years' experience in planning. The successful candidate will lead project planning activities and develop consultation strategies to engage stakeholders effectively. This position is ideal for knowledgeable professionals eager to contribute to strategic planning and compliance efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a planning role, ideally in the UK water industry or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning activities for small to medium Capital Projects.
• Support project teams in securing necessary consents for construction.
• Develop and implement planning and consultation strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of planning legislation

Experience in corporate Town and Country Planning

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

MSc or equivalent RTPI-accredited degree in Town and Country Planning

Membership of a professional body (working towards full RTPI membership)

Job description

Senior Town Planner

Role Purpose

As a Senior Town and Country Planner within the Enabling Team, you will support the Planning Lead in ensuring compliance with Town and Country Planning legislation across Capital and other projects. Your focus will be on securing planning consents, optimising permitted development rights, and contributing to strategic planning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning activities for small to medium Capital Projects.
• Maximise use of permitted development rights within project teams.
• Support project teams in securing all necessary consents for construction.
• Develop and implement planning and consultation strategies.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to manage stakeholder engagement.
• Review and ensure quality of planning‑related deliverables.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, particularly Local Planning Authorities.
• Provide reporting and updates on planning progress.
• Support Special Projects and Development Consent Orders (DCOs) as needed.
• Prioritise tasks and respond to urgent planning needs effectively.

Accountabilities & Time Allocation

Planning Delivery & Consent Management: 70%

Technical Expertise (T&C Planning): 15%

Strategic Integration & Collaboration: 5%

Stakeholder Engagement: 5%

Business Planning & Reporting: 5%

Team Management: None

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, especially within the water industry.
• Experience in corporate Town and Country Planning.
• Awareness of environmental initiatives (e.g., biodiversity net gain).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communicator with strong written and verbal presentation abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

MSc or equivalent RTPI‑accredited degree in Town and Country Planning.

Membership of a professional body (working towards full RTPI membership).

Minimum 5 years' experience in a planning role, ideally with exposure to the UK water industry or similar sectors.

Familiarity with relevant legislation including:

• Town and Country Planning Act
• General Permitted Development Order
• Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
• Environment Act

Key Relationships

• Local Authorities
• Contractors and Consultants
• Enabling Team (Ecologists, Environmental Advisors, Planners)
• Design Engineers and Project Managers
• Strategy Leads and Legal Team