Senior Town Planner

Overview

The Major Projects Planning and Development Team within Planning Consultancy specialises in providing commercial planning and development advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients, supporting the delivery of major projects in the social infrastructure sector. We are currently working on landmark projects nationally and occasionally internationally. The Newcastle office is recruiting an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude for a client‑facing planner position.

You will be a Planner with a good knowledge and experience of the planning process, including planning applications, permitted development and policy frameworks.

• Devising planning strategies, assessing a site’s planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan; as well as national planning policy and guidance.
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission.
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals.
• Reviewing third‑party documents and other planning deliverables to ensure consistency and validity.
• Assisting with the planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.
• Joining negotiations with planning authorities and other planning stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP, and external organisations.
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

• Degree level qualification in town planning and / or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / MRICS).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Good technical and IT skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in a growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Good organisational and communication skills.

We offer a supportive team with a proven track record of developing people, fast‑tracking career advancement and an exceptional market reputation. The role includes opportunities to work on landmark projects nationally and internationally.

Job Code: #L1-JC2