Principal Planner Town Planning (Infrastructure Planning)

Overview

As a Senior Consultant at WSP you will lead town planning and consenting inputs for UK infrastructure projects, shaping consent strategies and navigating complex statutory processes. You will work within the Infrastructure Planning Team to guide multidisciplinary delivery, advise clients, and manage stakeholder engagement. The role focuses on securing approvals across major projects and contributing to WSP’s growth by identifying opportunities and leading knowledge-sharing. This is a chance to impact landmark schemes and advance sustainable infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of Town & Country Planning Act applications for infrastructure projects across the UK
• Support and lead on consenting inputs for major projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs)
• Provide sound technical advice to clients and manage their consenting requirements
• Liaise with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients
• Lead and engage with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical oversight
• Understand project and team roles and contribute to achievement while building relationships
• Proactively develop own knowledge and contribute to internal knowledge base
• Support work-winning opportunities aligned with WSP’s Growth Strategy and contribute to proposals
• Demonstrate awareness of project finances and project management experience within a consultancy

Key requirements

• Degree in town planning (or equivalent)
• Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams and securing consents for major or nationally significant infrastructure projects under planning acts
• Experience with DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs and related processes
• Knowledge of project delivery within consultancy environments

• stakeholder engagement
• leadership
• collaboration
• Town planning and consent processes
• DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs
• Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act Order

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