Town Planner - Private Planning Consultancy (Exeter)
Job Title: Town Planner
Location: Exeter, Devon
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and commercially aware Town Planner to join our growing planning consultancy based in Exeter. Working with a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, mixed-use, renewable energy, and rural development projects, you will provide planning advice and manage applications from initial site appraisal through to determination.
This is an excellent opportunity for a planner looking to develop their career within a dynamic private-sector environment, working closely with clients, local authorities, architects, developers, and other consultants.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and manage planning applications, appeals, and pre-application submissions.
* Provide planning advice to clients on development opportunities, constraints, and strategy.
* Undertake planning policy reviews, site appraisals, and due diligence assessments.
* Prepare planning statements, supporting reports, and representations to local planning authorities.
* Liaise with planning officers, consultees, stakeholders, and project teams throughout the planning process.
* Monitor changes in planning legislation, policy, and guidance and advise clients accordingly.
* Attend client meetings, public consultations, committee meetings, and hearings as required.
* Support business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and assisting with tender submissions.
* Contribute to the successful delivery of projects within agreed timescales and budgets.
Person Specification
Essential
* Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline.
* Working towards or holding membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
* Strong understanding of the UK planning system and planning policy framework.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.
Desirable
* Previous experience within a planning consultancy, local authority, or development environment.
* Experience preparing planning applications and supporting planning documents.
* Knowledge of planning issues across the South West region.
* Experience of stakeholder engagement and client management.
* Chartered MRTPI status.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and annual performance reviews.
* Support towards RTPI chartership and continuing professional development.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* Generous annual leave allowance.
* Pension scheme.
* Professional membership subscriptions paid.
* Opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across the South West and beyond.
* Clear career progression within a growing consultancy.