Principal Planner (Infrastructure Planning)
WSP in the UK & Ireland
WSP is an award‑winning consultancy employing the largest number of chartered town planners across the UK. In December 2025 the firm was recognised as RTPI’s Planning Consultancy of the Year for its ability to unite diverse disciplines and deliver outstanding results, with strong community engagement praised by judges.
It is an exciting time to join WSP’s market‑leading Infrastructure Planning Team. The team employs highly skilled consenting specialists who deliver projects across the energy, renewables, nuclear, net‑zero, water, rail, transportation and aviation sectors. We work through all stages of the consenting process, from early feasibility to construction, and partner with a diverse portfolio of clients such as National Grid, National Gas, Nuclear Waste Services, EET Fuels, Eni UK, SSE, Scottish Power Renewables, Severn Trent Water, Southern Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water and many more.
To continue sustainable growth, WSP is looking for an experienced Senior Consultant to support town planning and consenting on major and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience securing consent and approvals for major projects via the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Planning Act 2008, Transport and Works Act Order, and where applicable, the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act or the Electricity Act.
Responsibilities
* Lead preparation of Town & Country Planning Act applications for infrastructure projects across the UK.
* Support and lead consenting inputs on major infrastructure projects (DCOs, DNSs, TWAOs, etc.).
* Provide sound technical advice to clients and support management of their consenting requirements, demonstrating awareness of client expectations and needs.
* Work and liaise with statutory bodies and stakeholders on behalf of clients to help deliver projects.
* Lead and engage with teams across a variety of disciplines, providing technical oversight.
* Understand project and team roles and actively support and contribute to achievement, building positive relationships within the team.
* Proactively engage in developing own knowledge and skills to enhance team internal knowledge base.
* Support work winning opportunities in line with WSP’s Growth Strategy, contributing to identifying opportunities and to proposals.
* Show awareness of project finances and demonstrate project management experience, ideally within a consultancy environment.
Qualifications
* Degree level qualification in town planning (or equivalent).
* Member of (or eligible for) the RTPI.
For more information about WSP’s Infrastructure Planning business, visit Infrastructure planning and consulting | WSP.
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