Senior / Principal Planner – Job Description

As a Senior / Principal Town Planner, you will be an integral part of our planning team, working on a variety of projects across Buckinghamshire, London and the surrounding areas. This role offers the opportunity for hands-on experience in all aspects of the planning process, from initial research and analysis to client engagement and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals and pre-application enquiries.
• Undertaking and assisting in the preparation of information for community engagement, committee meetings and public examinations.
• Conducting research and undertaking planning appraisals to establish the development potential of sites.
• Researching and designing planning policies to guide development.
• Writing high-quality reports with recommendations.
• Communicating with all stakeholders involved in the planning process.
• Attending site visits and client meetings.
• Project management.

Qualifications

• Chartered membership with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• An RTPI-accredited degree.
• Full and clean UK driving licence.

Relevant Experience

• Extensive planning experience, either within a private practice or local authority, with the ability to articulate a breadth and depth of knowledge across the industry.
• Demonstrable detailed experience of the planning process, policy interpretation and blue-sky thinking with respect to alternative strategic approaches to meet client objectives.
• Ability to advise on and undertake the preparation, project management and submission of applications and appeals.
• Strong report-writing skills and experience delivering recommendations on a range of major planning applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A proven track record in client liaison.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior members of the team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary subject to experience.
• Hybrid working options for a healthy work–life balance.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
• Exposure to a diverse range of planning projects.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.

The Working Week

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm (37.5 hours per week), office-based within Beaconsfield. You may need to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or respond to urgent planning requests.