Principal Town Planner

Overview

As a Principal Town Planner, you will lead planning for major infrastructure in the UK, with a focus on DCOs. You join a national Town Planning team that works across energy, transport, water and development, shaping consent strategies and stakeholder engagement. You’ll coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, advise clients on consent requirements, and drive business development in key sectors. This role offers exposure to high-profile projects and hybrid working, with real impact on infrastructure that supports the energy transition and regional growth.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working options
• flexible work arrangement
• competitive compensation
• well-being programs
• inclusive and diverse workplace
• global infrastructure leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in delivering major development applications
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams across diverse project types
• Submit, manage and negotiate planning applications with local authorities and stakeholders
• Provide planning advice on consent requirements and permitted development rights
• Produce feasibility studies and consent strategies; write Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements
• Support business development and lead preparation of commercial tenders
• Collaborate with Environmental Impact Assessment teams; engage in stakeholder meetings
• Oversee project management, ensuring quality and health & safety compliance

Key requirements

• Significant experience leading planning consent applications for large infrastructure across multiple regimes
• RTPI membership or equivalent
• Strong client and stakeholder relations skills; existing client relationships with local authorities
• Demonstrated business development experience and ability to win work
• Excellent written communication; ability to write clearly and concisely
• Ability to work independently and under pressure; high commitment to quality

• Collaborative working approach
• Interpersonal skills
• Client focus
• Writing Planning Statements and Design and Access Statements
• Planning feasibility and consent strategy development
• Coordination of multi-disciplinary teams

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