Job Description
Rural/Town Planning Consultant
Preston, Lancashire
Small Independent Rural Property Consultancy
As a specialist recruiter in the rural planning and property sector, I am working with a highly respected independent rural property consultancy in Preston. The business has an excellent reputation across the North West for delivering practical, commercially focused planning and property advice to farmers, landowners, estates and rural businesses.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint a Rural Planning Consultant to join their close‑knit team.
The Role
This is an opportunity to work directly with experienced rural property professionals on a varied range of rural, agricultural and development planning projects. The workload is diverse and may include:
1. Agricultural buildings and Class Q applications
2. Rural worker dwellings
3. Farm diversification schemes
4. Rural residential and commercial developments
5. Planning appraisals, submissions and appeals
You'll enjoy genuine autonomy, client contact, and the chance to manage your own projects within a supportive small‑team environment. This role suits someone who values variety, responsibility and meaningful long‑term client relationships.
Candidate Requirements
6. MRTPI qualified or working towards chartership
7. Experience preparing planning applications, statements and appeals
8. Strong written communication and report‑writing skills
9. Ability to manage a caseload and work independently when required
10. Good understanding of rural issues, agriculture or land management (advantageous but not essential)
11. Commercially aware with a proactive, solution‑driven mindset
Key Competencies
12. Flexibility - confident working across a broad rural workload
13. Initiative - comfortable taking ownership of projects
14. Attention to Detail - produces accurate, well‑structured written work
15. Clear Communication - able to explain planning matters to clients with varying levels of technical knowledge
16. Commercial Awareness - understands the needs of rural property clients and private landowners
Person Profile
17. Friendly, approachable and a strong collaborator
18. Keen to grow professionally within a rural‑focused practice
19. Enjoys site visits and building strong client relationships
20. Organised, reliable and able to prioritise effectively
21. Professional and trustworthy, with strong interpersonal skills