Town Planner

Overview

At Believ, formerly known as Liberty Charge, we’re committed to sustainable transport being accessible to everyone. We’re a Charge Point Operator (CPO) on a mission to create the UK’s most reliable electric vehicle charging network that doesn’t cost the earth and leaves no one behind. Providing equitable access to electric vehicle charging, and achieving cleaner air for all, is at the heart of the Believ mission.

We work closely with local authorities and businesses to deliver reliable, high quality charging networks at pace, at scale and at zero cost. You’ll be joining this exciting journey at the start of our scale-up phase, and working with us to hit the ambitious targets our shareholders have set. You’ll become part of a passionate and supportive team in a fast-paced, dynamic and result-driven environment.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Town Planner / Planning Officer to manage and deliver the end-to-end planning process for multiple development sites. This position will be responsible for determining planning requirements, preparing and submitting planning applications where necessary, and overseeing the full lifecycle of the planning process.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new sites to determine the requirement for planning permission, including reviewing permitted development rights, prior approvals, and relevant planning legislation.
• Prepare, coordinate, and submit planning applications, including associated documentation, plans, and supporting statements, with input from external consultants and contractors as required.
• Manage the planning process for sites, from initial feasibility through to consent, discharge of conditions, and post-approval compliance.
• Act as a point of contact for all planning matters with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, third-party consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and respond to statutory consultations, objections, and requests for additional information from planning authorities.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all planning submissions, correspondence, decisions, and appeals, ensuring the planning register is kept up to date.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on planning risk, progress, and emerging issues affecting project delivery.
• Keep up to date with changes in planning policy, guidance, and legislation that may impact the company’s projects, ensuring advice and actions remain compliant and current.
• Support the continuous improvement of internal planning procedures and documentation.

About you

At Believ, we are building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent. We are a dedicated and high-performing team, accustomed to working at pace in an ever-evolving industry, and we are looking for people who are as passionate as us about cutting carbon emissions and providing cleaner air for all.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrable experience in town planning, ideally with experience in infrastructure, utilities, or large-scale development projects.
• In-depth understanding of UK planning legislation, policy, and the end-to-end planning application process.
• Strong report writing, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging a range of stakeholders including local authorities, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, site layouts, and planning policies.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work to strict deadlines.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

• Accredited degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI accredited degree essential).
• Full Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) – desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus the usual 8 UK Bank Holidays and the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
• Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical insurance, critical illness cover, dental, optical & travel insurance, income protection and life assurance.
• Pension contribution matched up to 10%.
• Access to our car benefit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.
• 16 hours a year Volunteer Time Off to support causes that are important to you.
• Virgin Media / O2 discounts and offers.
• Access to VIP Arena Suites at the O2 Arena (London) and First Direct Arena (Leeds).
• Enhanced parental leave policies.

Location

The business is currently based in our office in Southwark. The position is full time, hybrid with 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) based in the office.

Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.