Town Planner

Town Planner - Private Planning Consultancy (Exeter)

Job Title: Town Planner

Location: Exeter, Devon

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

We are seeking a motivated and commercially aware Town Planner to join our growing planning consultancy based in Exeter. Working with a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, mixed‑use, renewable energy, and rural development projects, you will provide planning advice and manage applications from initial site appraisal through to determination.

This is an excellent opportunity for a planner looking to develop their career within a dynamic private‑sector environment, working closely with clients, local authorities, architects, developers, and other consultants.

• Prepare and manage planning applications, appeals, and pre‑application submissions.
• Provide planning advice to clients on development opportunities, constraints, and strategy.
• Undertake planning policy reviews, site appraisals, and due diligence assessments.
• Prepare planning statements, supporting reports, and representations to local planning authorities.
• Liaise with planning officers, consultees, stakeholders, and project teams throughout the planning process.
• Monitor changes in planning legislation, policy, and guidance and advise clients accordingly.
• Attend client meetings, public consultations, committee meetings, and hearings as required.
• Support business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and assisting with tender submissions.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of projects within agreed timescales and budgets.

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Working towards or holding membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and planning policy framework.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

• Previous experience within a planning consultancy, local authority, or development environment.
• Experience preparing planning applications and supporting planning documents.
• Knowledge of planning issues across the South West region.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and client management.
• Chartered MRTPI status.

• Competitive salary and annual performance reviews.
• Support towards RTPI chartership and continuing professional development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Professional membership subscriptions paid.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across the South West and beyond.
• Clear career progression within a growing consultancy.