Associate / Senior Associate – Planning – Exeter

Overview

In this role, you join the Exeter Planning & Environmental team to advise on complex planning matters for developers, landowners, and energy/public sector clients. You will contribute to infrastructure projects and Development Consent Orders, while coordinating with property, energy, and infrastructure colleagues. The role offers high client exposure, opportunities for progression, and a collaborative culture within a respected firm. You help shape development delivery and navigate planning regimes, delivering practical, commercial solutions.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• bonus structure
• flexible working arrangements
• comprehensive benefits package

Responsibilities

• Advise on complex planning and development matters
• Support clients on Development Consent Orders and infrastructure consent processes
• Handle planning applications, appeals, and broader development delivery work
• Negotiate planning-related agreements (e.g., Section 106, highways)
• Provide planning input on real estate, energy and corporate transactions
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to business development
• Collaborate with colleagues across property, infrastructure and energy teams

Key requirements

• Around 3-6 years’ PQE (considering relevant experience outside this range)
• Strong planning law experience in private practice
• Experience advising on infrastructure, regeneration or development projects
• Solid understanding of Town and Country Planning matters
• Excellent drafting, technical, and communication skills
• Commercial mindset and practical problem-solving approach
• Ability to manage client relationships and work collaboratively in a team
• Experience in energy, transport, utilities or infrastructure sectors (advantageous)

• commercial mindset
• excellent communication
• team collaboration
• planning law
• Development Consent Orders
• planning applications and appeals

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