Senior Planner / Principal Planner
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a specialist countryside planning consultancy in Cheshire with the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner. This consultancy is recognised for delivering high‑quality, well‑reasoned planning advice underpinned by strong practical understanding and professional judgement.
Location & Working Pattern
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Salary
GBP 50,000 – 60,000 plus benefits.
Opportunity
The Senior / Principal Planner will work across a diverse portfolio of countryside and rural planning projects, including:
* Rural diversification and farm business developments
* Estate planning and long‑term land strategies
* Planning appeals, certificates and enforcement matters
* Complex countryside planning challenges
* Residential developments of up to 100 dwellings
* Commercial greenfield developments of up to 25 acres
Role
The Senior / Principal Planner will take ownership of projects from initial enquiry through to determination, with responsibilities including:
* Leading planning projects end‑to‑end
* Developing clear, robust planning strategies
* Explaining complex planning issues in a practical and accessible way
* Preparing high‑quality planning applications and supporting documents
* Managing discussions with planning officers and external consultants
* Working directly with clients on matters of personal and commercial importance
* Contributing to a collaborative team structure that supports quality and wellbeing
About You
This role is suited to a Senior / Principal Planner who demonstrates:
* Strong professional judgement and decision‑making ability
* Clear written and verbal communication skills
* Emotional intelligence and client‑focused thinking
* Confidence in taking responsibility for work
* A practical, grounded approach to planning
A purely rural background is not essential. MRTPI, RICS or equivalent experience is desirable but not mandatory where capability and professional maturity can be demonstrated.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Hybrid working and flexibility
* High levels of autonomy with structured support
* A varied and engaging workload
* Long‑term progression opportunities for the right Senior / Principal Planner
Application
If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment by phone or email to arrange a discussion.
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