Planner
North West England | Hybrid Working
An established specialist planning consultancy focused on countryside and rural development is seeking a Planner to join its growing team.
This practice provides clear, commercially grounded planning advice across a wide range of rural and development projects. The team is known for combining strong technical understanding with practical, real-world insight helping clients navigate complex planning situations with confidence and clarity.
This role offers the opportunity to work directly with landowners, rural businesses and developers on projects that genuinely shape places and livelihoods.
The Work:
You will contribute to a varied portfolio of countryside planning projects, which may include:
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Farm diversification and estate development schemes
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Appeals, certificates of lawfulness and enforcement matters
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Residential developments of up to around 100 dwellings
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Strategic land promotion
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Allocation and development of employment land
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Complex rural planning challenges requiring creative, well-reasoned solutions
Projects often require careful judgement, clear communication and a pragmatic understanding of how planning policy applies in real situations.
The Role:
As a Planner, you will manage projects with increasing autonomy while receiving structured support from senior colleagues.
Responsibilities include:
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Preparing and submitting planning applications and supporting documentation
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Developing clear planning strategies with appropriate guidance
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Liaising with planning officers, consultants and other stakeholders
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Advising clients on matters relating to their land or business
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Supporting colleagues across projects while also taking ownership of your own work
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Helping clients make informed decisions in often sensitive or commercially important situations
The workload is varied and can move at pace. You will need to be adaptable, organised and comfortable managing competing priorities.
About You:
The consultancy welcomes applications from planners at different career stages, including those earlier in their career who are ready to step up.
More important than years of experience are the qualities you bring:
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Sound judgement and analytical thinking
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Clear written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to explain complex planning matters in practical terms
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Confidence in taking responsibility for your work
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Curiosity and willingness to learn
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Emotional intelligence and client awareness
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A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset
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MRTPI, RICS or equivalent qualifications are valued but not essential where experience demonstrates capability and professional maturity.
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Experience in rural planning is advantageous but not required. Planners from other sectors who are interested in transitioning into countryside work will be considered.
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You must live in UK and have UK work experience.
What’s on Offer:
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Competitive salary package
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Hybrid working arrangement
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Highly varied and meaningful project portfolio
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Strong internal support structure
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Clear progression pathway
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Opportunity to work on projects that make a tangible difference to people and communities
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated planner who enjoys problem solving, values thoughtful work and wants to be part of a grounded, collaborative team.
How to Apply?
If this role sounds like it could be of interest to you, please submit your CV today. Thatcher Associates look forward to recieving your application