Position: Principal Planner/Associate Director
Location: Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Planner to join a leading independent Chartered Town Planning Practice based in Beaconsfield. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, from residential developments to strategic land promotion, providing comprehensive planning services across England.
As a Principal Planner, you will lead and manage planning applications, appeals, and strategic land promotion projects, delivering high-quality planning advice and securing planning consents for clients. You will also play a key role in business development, client relationship management, and mentoring junior staff.
Key Responsibilities
·Lead and manage planning applications, appeals, and strategic land promotion projects.
·Provide expert planning advice to clients, ensuring compliance with national and local planning policies.
·Prepare and submit planning applications, appeals, and representations to local planning authorities.
·Conduct site appraisals and feasibility studies to assess development potential.
·Liaise with clients, local authorities, statutory consultees, and other stakeholders.
·Represent clients at planning committee meetings and public inquiries.
·Mentor and support junior planning staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
·Contribute to business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and attending networking events.
·Stay up-to-date with changes in planning legislation and policy, ensuring best practice is maintained.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
·A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
·Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility to apply.
·A minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience in town planning.
·Proven experience in managing planning applications and appeals, particularly in residential development.
·Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy.
·Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
·Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
·Strong client relationship management skills and a proactive approach to business development.
Desirable Skills & Experience
·Experience in strategic land promotion and site acquisition appraisals.
·Knowledge of permitted development rights and pre-application advice processes.
·Experience in preparing and presenting evidence at planning inquiries and hearings.
·Familiarity with planning software and GIS tools.
·Ability to mentor and develop junior staff members.
What We Offer
·Competitive salary and benefits package.
·Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
·A supportive and collaborative working environment.
·The chance to work on a diverse range of projects across England.
·Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
If you are a motivated and experienced Senior Town planner or Principal Town Planner looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)
Reference - 59323