At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic land promotion and engage with local authorities and communities.
- Company: Major residential developer with a focus on innovative planning solutions.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, dynamic work environment, and collaboration with experts.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to transition from consultancy to client-side planning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing supply and community development in Surrey.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years' experience in town planning and strong written skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
I am working with a major residential developer to appoint a Town Planner into their Strategic Land team, based in Surrey. This is a genuine opportunity to build a career in strategic land promotion, working on sites at the earlier end of the planning process — allocations, call for sites submissions, and pre-application engagement — rather than pure development management.
The role:
- Supporting the promotion of strategic land sites through the planning system, from initial site identification through to allocation and outline consent
- Preparing and submitting representations to Local Plans and Call for Sites processes
- Liaising with local authorities, landowners, and agents throughout the promotion process
- Commissioning and coordinating technical consultants (highways, ecology, drainage, heritage) in support of planning applications and promotions
- Assisting with the preparation of planning appraisals and site assessments to inform land acquisition decisions
- Monitoring emerging planning policy at a local and national level and assessing implications for the land portfolio
- Attending public consultation events and community engagement sessions
- Working closely with the land and acquisitions team to identify new site opportunities
What we're looking for:
- 1–3 years' post-graduate experience in town planning
- Background in either planning consultancy or in-house with a residential developer/housebuilder
- RTPI accreditation (or working towards)
- Experience with Local Plan processes, strategic land promotion, or major residential planning applications
- Strong written skills — comfortable drafting representations and appraisals
- A genuine interest in strategic land and the housing supply pipeline, not just development management
- Full UK driving licence (site visits across Surrey and the wider South East)
This is a strong move for someone currently in consultancy looking to go client-side, or a developer-side planner wanting more exposure to the strategic end of the business.
Town Planner in Surrey employer: tdm recruitment
At tdm recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, our team enjoys a collaborative environment with opportunities for progression, alongside competitive benefits such as performance-related bonuses. Join us to make a meaningful impact in enhancing customer experiences across the South West while being part of a dynamic and expanding team.
