Planner/Senior Town Planner (Planning Consultancy)

Overview

In this Planner role, you will help shape development proposals for private and public clients in the Central Birmingham Planning Consultancy team. You will develop planning strategies, assess site history and policy context, and prepare persuasive planning documentation to secure permissions for housing and employment uses. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with authorities and stakeholders to drive project delivery. This is an opportunity to contribute to major schemes and learn within a global firm that values innovation, inclusion, and community impact.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working (two days remote)
• Work-life balance
• Inclusive and diverse culture
• Thrive wellbeing programme
• Virtual GP service
• Gymflex discount

Responsibilities

• Devise planning strategies and assess site history in relation to development plans and policies
• Prepare briefing notes on likelihood of planning permission for housing or employment uses
• Draft planning statements to support development proposals
• Assist with planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects
• Attend site visits, design team and client meetings
• Manage project delivery and budgetary control
• Collaborate with colleagues across WSP (e.g., Transport, Sustainability) to provide integrated advice
• Monitor planning applications and coordinate responses to consultation feedback

Key requirements

• Degree level qualification in town planning
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject
• Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA)
• Sound knowledge of the UK planning system gained in local authority or private sector
• Strong technical and IT skills
• Commercial approach to planning consultancy and development
• Desire to work in a growing planning team
• Strong organisational and communication skills

• Strong communication skills
• Team player with a can-do attitude
• Initiative and collaborative mindset
• UK planning system knowledge
• Planning appraisals and strategies
• Drafting planning statements

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