Job Description
REF: (phone number removed)\n\nAssistant Town Planner - South West (Rural & Development Focus)\n Location: South West England (Devon/Somerset/Cornwall area)\n Salary: £25,000 - £32,000 (depending on experience) + benefits\n Type: Full-time, Permanent\n\nWe are delighted to be working on behalf of a well-established rural and development consultancy in the South West to recruit an Assistant Town Planner to join their successful planning team.\n\nThis is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career planner to gain hands-on experience in a varied and rewarding role, supporting a busy team involved in rural, residential, and agricultural planning projects across the region.\n\nAbout the Company\n\nOur client is a respected name in the South West property sector, with a long history of advising landowners, developers, and rural businesses. Their planning team works closely with in-house professionals across development, estate management, and agency services, offering clients a truly joined-up approach.\n\nWith a strong pipeline of work and ambitious growth plans, they are now looking to strengthen their planning division with an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Town Planner.\n\nThe Role\n\nYou will work on a wide range of planning applications, appeals, site appraisals, and land promotion strategies - with a particular focus on rural and semi-rural development. You'll be supported by experienced planners and encouraged to develop your skills across all areas of the planning process.\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nAssisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications and supporting documents\n\nConducting site visits and assisting with appraisals\n\nResearching planning policies, designations, and local plan information\n\nSupporting with appeals and representations to local plans\n\nLiaising with clients, local authorities, and other consultants\n\nProviding general administrative and project support to senior planners\n\nAbout You\n\nWe're looking for a positive, proactive individual who is either recently graduated or has up to 2 years' experience in planning.\n\nYou'll ideally have:\n\nA degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI-accredited preferred)\n\nA genuine interest in rural and regional planning\n\nExcellent communication and report writing skills\n\nStrong attention to detail and a willingness to learn\n\nA full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle\n\nMRTPI or APC progression support will be offered to the successful candidate.\n\nWhat's on Offer\n\nCompetitive salary based on experience\n\nStructured APC support and mentoring\n\nGenuine career progression opportunities within a growing team\n\nFlexible working options and a strong team culture\n\nExposure to a diverse portfolio of planning work in a beautiful part of the country\n\nPlease contact Neil Ellerton of Penguin Recruitment for more information