Graduate Planner

About the Role

We are currently recruiting a Graduate Planner to join our central planning team in our Colchester office. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across a diverse range of projects while working alongside experienced planning professionals who will support your development towards professional accreditation. As a Graduate Planner, you will assist in the preparation and delivery of planning applications, planning policy appraisals, and development proposals.

You'll gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from site assessments and stakeholder engagement through to planning submissions and appeals.

Please note:

This role may be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service, Baseline Personnel Security Standard, Counter Terrorist Check, Security Check, or Developed Vetting clearance.

• Assist with the preparation of planning applications and supporting documentation.
• Conduct initial site appraisals and planning research.
• Support the preparation of Planning Statements, Design & Access Statements, and policy appraisals.
• Assist with pre‑application discussions and consultations with Local Planning Authorities.
• Support community engagement and stakeholder consultation activities.
• Help prepare planning appeal submissions and responses to planning policy consultations.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, and planning officers.
• Produce clear, accurate, and professional reports and correspondence.
• Maintain project records and support project administration through internal systems.
• Work closely with colleagues across multiple disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Assist with invoicing to ensure they are issued on completion of work stages in line with office invoicing procedure.
• Liaise and work with other disciplines as part of a multi‑disciplinary team ensuring all works are completed in a collaborative manner.

• Degree (or expected degree) in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent research and analytical abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.
• Genuine interest in planning, development, and the built environment.

• Opportunities for flexible and remote working – we understand a work‑life balance helps us all.
• Holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays with long‑service recognition and festive shutdown.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment including in‑house coaching and mentoring.
• Competitive salaries with regular review and benchmarking to ensure fair pay. We are a real living wage employer.
• Competitive Company Pension Scheme.
• Health cash plan scheme.
• Professional membership support.
• Family policies.
• Great office team‑building events and fully expensed seasonal social events.
• Cycle to work Scheme.
• On‑site parking facilities (excluding London office).
• Season Ticket Loan (if applicable).
• Death in service benefit.
• Early finish incentives when the Practice targets are hit.
• Additional leave allocated for volunteering (up to 2 days).
• Health & Mental Wellness Programs.
• Employee Referral Scheme.
• Employee working groups.

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, please apply anyway – you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.

To discover more about life at Ingleton Wood, please visit our website