Knutsford
Environment
Permanent | Full Time
ASAP
03/04/2025
24/04/2025
Job Title: Senior Planning Consultant / Principal Consultant
Location: Knutsford
Salary: Competitive plus benefits including bonus scheme, car allowance, annual leave increase for long service, and private health insurance
Flexible Working: 3 days office-based, 2 days working from home, with flexible start/finish working hours
About the Role:
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic planning consultant to join a well-established Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy. The role will sit between Senior Planner and Principal Consultant, where you will work closely with a talented team, Directors, developers, architects, and local authorities to deliver high-quality planning advice and ensure compliance with national planning policies, heritage legislation, and best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide specialist planning advice to clients and colleagues, ensuring full compliance with planning policies and legislation.
* Manage and advise on planning applications and appeals, preparing planning appraisals and fee estimates.
* Prepare and submit Planning and Appeal Statements, and present evidence at Hearings when required.
* Attend and lead meetings with clients, consultants, and Council Officers, including Planning Committees and public consultation events.
* Liaise with local planning authorities and other stakeholders to negotiate planning matters effectively.
* Manage and mentor junior staff, ensuring their development and maximising team efficiency.
* Lead efforts in securing new instructions from both existing and new clients, driving business growth.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and planning practices.
Key Skills & Experience:
* RTPI membership.
* A degree in Planning or a related discipline.
* Proven experience in a planning consultancy or similar role (minimum of 2 years for Senior Planner, 5 years for Consultant and Principal Consultant).
* Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
* Experience in writing appeal statements, preparing planning statements, and providing pre-application advice.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
* Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects.
Why Join?
* Be part of a supportive and expert team, working on a wide range of projects for both public and private sector clients.
* Enjoy a sociable and positive working environment.
* Develop your professional skills with opportunities for career progression.
* Contribute to shaping the future of planning in a collaborative, growth-focused team.
If you're passionate about planning, eager to contribute your expertise, and looking to make an impact in the planning sector, we'd love to hear from you!
Interested?