Principal Town Planner

For over 35 years, a specialist infrastructure consultancy has supported the delivery of some of the UK''s most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects. The organisation is an independent project support consultancy with expertise in consents and authorisations, programme and commercial management, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and consultation.

It provides services across all project stages and infrastructure sectors. From project initiation through to construction and operation, it supports clients through integration into, collaboration with, or direct management of project teams-contributing to the successful planning, authorisation, and delivery of major projects.

The organisation works in partnership with clients to support their corporate goals. Clients include government organisations, international banks, major construction companies, infrastructure operators, property developers, and private investors, who repeatedly engage the consultancy for project support. This reflects the value and expertise provided, as well as the long-term relationships developed.

Purpose

To bring passionate, independent, and creative thinking to complex challenges that deliver better outcomes for clients and their communities. This is a purpose-driven consultancy where infrastructure meets integrity, and where the work has meaningful impact.

Role: Senior Planner - Town Planning & Consents Team

Due to increasing demand for services, the consultancy is seeking to recruit a Senior Planner to join its Town Planning & Consents Team.

Role Overview

The Senior Planner will provide town planning expertise for public and private sector clients in the transport, energy, and water sectors, supporting major infrastructure and regeneration projects across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of an integrated team supporting clients in the delivery and implementation of planning and consents applications, including Town and Country Planning Act submissions, Development Consent Orders, Transport & Works Act Orders, and Parliamentary Bills.
• Analyse relevant planning policy and legislative frameworks at an early project stage to provide strategic advice on planning requirements.
• Support stakeholder engagement and consultation with local authorities, statutory bodies, and third parties to achieve agreement on planning and consenting matters.
• Provide planning input for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects.
• Work within multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and architects, to support understanding of consenting requirements and processes, and contribute to consents submission deliverables.
• Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with consents and planning obligations.
• Support public consultation and community liaison events.
• Compile evidence for public hearings and inquiries.

Skills and Experience

• Degree in Town Planning or a relevant discipline.
• Chartered membership of RTPI achieved or working towards.
• Interest in delivering Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Experience in development management is essential; knowledge of the DCO process is desirable.
• Strong report writing skills with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Team-oriented approach with willingness to support colleagues.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and develop.
• Inquisitive mindset with confidence to challenge and ask questions.

Remuneration Package

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Private healthcare
• Pension
• 25 days annual leave

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