Assistant Planner/Planner London Planning

At Bidwells, we're looking for an ambitious Town Planner (Assistant or Planner level) to join our growing London team. Working across a diverse portfolio of projects in London and beyond, you'll help shape places, support regeneration, and deliver developments that leave a lasting impact on communities. This role really will give you excellent exposure to some of the cities most impactful schemes, offering unmatched individual experience and growth opportunities. You’ll engage in some of London’s high profile city redevelopments as well as significant mixed-use, education, residential, and commercial developments.

Our Planning team is one of the largest in the UK, and we're currently experiencing an exciting period of growth. Recent senior hires and new team members in London have further strengthened our already highly successful team, bringing additional expertise, fresh perspectives and valuable client relationships. Their arrival has enhanced our capabilities, expanded our reach and contributed to a growing pipeline of exciting projects and opportunities across the team. This is a fantastic time to join Bidwells, as we continue to invest in our people, strengthen our market-leading reputation and capitalise on an exciting pipeline of work.

Our successful candidate will join a dynamic and highly collaborative department where knowledge sharing, teamwork and professional development are genuinely valued. From regular departmental updates and team socials to cross-disciplinary project work, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experts from across the business, broaden your experience and contribute to some of the UK's most exciting projects. It's an environment that not only supports career progression but also fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.

Our planning team collaborates closely with our development, agency, capital markets, rural, and building teams, providing access to major mixed-use projects, science and technology initiatives, and a wide range of other exciting developments.

What you'll be doing:

• Assist with site assessments to establish development potential, including policy analyses and planning histories.
• Prepare Planning Statements to support applications.
• Prepare, submit, monitor, and promote planning applications in accordance with agreed client instructions.
• Undertake planning and enforcement appeals by the most appropriate method. It is expected that this post would undertake full responsibility for leading such appeals.
• Manage and anticipate client needs, ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• Answer client correspondence and telephone queries professionally and promptly.
• Represent client interests throughout the planning process.
• Maintain commercial awareness regarding profitability and agreed fee proposals.
• Record professional time accurately on a daily basis.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, national policy, and Government guidance.
• Proactively monitor Local Government websites and the publication of development plan documents within the region.
• Network and build internal and external relationships.
• Understand other Departments and our services to enable cross-selling and identifying other new opportunities for the business.
• Share information internally.

About you:

• Relevant undergraduate and/or post graduate qualifications, preferably in Town/Urban Planning (or similar) and accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Actively working towards, or a Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Previous experience working for a town planning consultancy or local authority.
• Passionate about planning and committed to providing professional, proactive and innovative solutions.
• Excellent IT (MS Office), report writing, English and communication skills.
• A team player whilst also being able to work independently.
• Full driving licence.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
• Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
• Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.
• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer agile working to support it.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells is one of the first property consultancies in the UK to receive BCorp accreditation, reflecting our commitment to being a responsible, purpose-driven business. As a certified B Corporation (B-Corp), we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation, and creating long-term value for our clients, communities, and the environment. This unique achievement sets us apart from other property consultancies and underscores our dedication to operating with integrity and sustainability at the core of everything we do.

Whilst we’re a major player in the property sector, Bidwells remains a privately-owned, independent Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. We give our people autonomy and take the time to listen. Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.