Town Planning Assistant

South West Water; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary Bonus

Pension scheme

Share-save Scheme

Health benefits

Wellbeing support

Group discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

South West Water is seeking a Town Planning Assistant in Exeter for an entry‑level role within the Pre‑Development Team. You will gain hands‑on experience in planning applications, policy, and infrastructure planning while developing your RTPI career.

You will work with experienced planning professionals, engineers and developers to support growth across the South West and learn how planning interplays with infrastructure and sustainable development. This is ideal for a recent graduate.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (preferably RTPI accredited).
• Understanding of the UK planning system and planning process.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload.
• Positive, proactive and solution‑focused approach.
• Interest in developing a professional career in planning.

Responsibilities

• Support the review of planning applications and development proposals.
• Prepare consultation responses on behalf of South West Water.
• Research planning and site information to support decision‑making.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, developers, agents and customers.
• Assist with pre‑application enquiries and development consultations.
• Support work relating to local plans and emerging planning policy.
• Work closely with colleagues across Developer Services, Asset Protection, Growth and Network teams.
• Learn about the relationship between planning, infrastructure and sustainable development.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Research skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Proactive mindset

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Developer Services | Exeter | Hybrid Working Launch your planning career with South West Water

Are you a recent Town Planning graduate or an early-career planning professional looking for an opportunity to develop your skills in a unique and rewarding environment?

We’re looking for a Town Planning Assistant to join our growing Pre-Development Team. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within the planning profession while developing a broader understanding of infrastructure, sustainable development and the water industry.

Working alongside experienced planning professionals, engineers and developers, you’ll play an important role in helping shape growth across the South West. You’ll gain exposure to planning applications, local planning policy, developer engagement and infrastructure planning, building the knowledge and experience needed for a successful planning career.

Why This Role Is Different

Most planning careers begin within a local authority or consultancy. This role offers something different.

You’ll gain practical experience across the development process while learning how critical infrastructure supports sustainable growth. You’ll work with local authorities, developers, consultants and internal specialists, giving you a broad perspective that many planners do not experience early in their careers.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop towards RTPI chartership and build a long‑term career in planning.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the review of planning applications and development proposals.
• Preparing consultation responses on behalf of South West Water.
• Researching planning and site information to support decision-making.
• Liaising with local planning authorities, developers, agents and customers.
• Assisting with pre-application enquiries and development consultations.
• Supporting work relating to local plans and emerging planning policy.
• Working closely with colleagues across Developer Services, Asset Protection, Growth and Network teams.
• Learning about the relationship between planning, infrastructure and sustainable development.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be someone who is enthusiastic about planning and eager to learn.

Essential

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (preferably RTPI accredited).
• Understanding of the UK planning system and planning process.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload.
• Positive, proactive and solution‑focused approach.
• Interest in developing a professional career in planning.

Desirable

• Eligibility to work towards Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
• Previous placement, internship or work experience within a planning environment.
• Knowledge of planning policy or development management.

Why join us?

Kick‑start your planning career with South West Water and gain hands‑off experience across planning, development and infrastructure projects that help shape sustainable growth across the South West. With mentoring from experienced professionals, support towards RTPI membership, and structured development opportunities, this is an excellent opportunity to build the skills, experience and confidence needed for a successful career in planning.

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Closing Date: 17th September 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

• Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
• Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
• Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.