Senior​/Principal Planner

Location: London, United Kingdom
Contract: Permanent

Our client is looking for a Senior or Principal Planner to join the team on a permanent basis and take responsibility for a varied portfolio of projects, from early feasibility work through to planning permission and discharge of conditions.

The successful candidate will lead applications and appeals, advise clients on planning strategy and manage relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees and wider consultant teams. The level of seniority will be agreed during the recruitment process, reflecting the candidate’s experience and track record.

The role also involves supporting the development of junior colleagues, contributing to business development and helping to shape the quality of the team’s technical output. This is a position for a planner who is comfortable working with clients directly and who can balance technical rigour with a practical, commercially aware approach.

• Lead and manage a portfolio of planning projects across London and the surrounding area
• Prepare and oversee planning statements, representations and supporting documents for a range of development proposals
• Advise clients on site appraisals, planning strategy, risk and deliverability
• Manage planning applications from pre-application stage through to determination and discharge of conditions
• Negotiate with planning officers, statutory consultees and other stakeholders, including S106 and CIL matters
• Prepare for and support appeals, including written representations, hearings and inquiries
• Coordinate input from architects, technical consultants and wider project teams
• Monitor planning policy changes at national, regional and local level and advise clients accordingly
• Mentor and supervise junior planners and review their work
• Contribute to fee proposals, client development and new business activity

Essential

• Degree in town planning or a related discipline
• Chartered membership of the RTPI (MRTPI), or eligibility to apply
• Substantial experience in a planning consultancy environment, with experience matched to the Senior or Principal level
• Strong working knowledge of the London planning system, including the London Plan and borough-level policy
• Experience managing planning applications and client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Experience with major or strategic schemes
• Appeals experience, including hearings or inquiries
• Experience working across several London boroughs
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
• Existing business development experience

This is a permanent role based in London. Salary, working pattern and benefits are to be confirmed with candidates. Further detail on the team, current project pipeline and progression opportunities will be shared with shortlisted applicants.

If you are an experienced planner looking to take on a senior permanent role leading projects and clients in London, this position offers real responsibility within an established team.