Principal Town Planner

KAP Recruitment Ltd • Central Bedfordshire, ENG, United Kingdom • 14h ago

Job Description

About the Company - A fast-growing development management team is seeking a Principal Planner to join our Planning Team. This role offers the opportunity to lead a variety of development projects, ranging from £250k to £25m, guiding them through every stage of their lifecycle. As a Principal Planner, you will manage high-profile projects from inception to completion, working closely with both in-house teams and external professionals such as architects and sub-consultants. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our projects while advancing your career in a dynamic and expanding organization.

About the Role - Experience & Qualifications:

A degree in Geography, Urban Planning, or a related field, with a 2:1 or above.
A minimum of 3-4 years of experience in planning, preferably within a private planning consultancy or a developer environment.
Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for chartered status, preferable.
A full UK driving license, with a willingness to travel to site visits across the UK.
Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time.

Responsibilities - Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the planning process for multiple large-scale projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and adherence to project timelines.
Prepare, review, and sign off on comprehensive planning reports.
Provide strategic planning advice to clients, helping them navigate complex regulatory issues.
Represent the company at planning committees, public consultations, stakeholder events, and meetings with government bodies and other key stakeholders.
Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including external consultants, to ensure cohesive project delivery.
Oversee the submission of planning applications, including pre-application discussions, application documents, and post-decision conditions.
Take a leading role in the preparation of planning policy documents and feasibility studies for new and existing projects.
Utilise GIS systems and other planning tools to assess site suitability and inform strategic decision-making.
Monitor and report on the status of planning applications, appeals, and other relevant planning activities, ensuring all actions are completed in a timely manner.
Advise on planning conditions, variations, and enforcement matters through the full project lifecycle (RIBA Stages 1-6).
Drive continuous improvement within the planning team, ensuring a culture of excellence and innovation.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated Principal Planner to join a forward-thinking consultancy and contribute to its ongoing success. You will have the autonomy to lead major projects and the support to further your professional development in a niche and rewarding field.