Principal Town Planner

Overview

In this role you will lead and shape infrastructure planning projects in the UK, with a focus on DCO delivery. You’ll work within a national Town Planning team on high-profile projects across energy, transport, water, and development, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and key stakeholders. You’ll drive planning strategies, feasibility, and consent pathways, delivering major development applications and contributing to client relationships and business growth. This is an opportunity to influence the planning landscape on transformative infrastructure and energy transition projects.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working options
• day 1 onboarding at a location
• Disability Confident Employer
• competitive benefits and well-being programs
• global network and career development
• inclusive workplace culture

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in delivering major development applications
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams
• Submit and manage planning applications; liaise with local planning authorities and stakeholders
• Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights
• Produce feasibility reports and consent strategies
• Write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements
• Contribute to business development and sector strategy; identify opportunities and build client relationships
• Lead/prep for successful commercial tenders
• Collaborate with Environmental Impact Assessment team
• Participate in internal/external stakeholder meetings
• Oversee project management with focus on quality and health & safety principles

Key requirements

• Degree in Town Planning and RTPI membership (or equivalent)
• Significant experience leading planning applications for large infrastructure
• Expert witness experience is advantageous
• Strong client and stakeholder relationship skills
• Proven work-winning and business development experience
• Clear written communication and ability to work under pressure
• High commitment to quality

• Interpersonal skills
• Collaborative working style
• Client focus
• Knowledge of planning regimes and consent processes (including DCOs)
• Experience with Environmental Impact Assessment coordination
• Drafting Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements

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