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- Tasks: Lead strategic countryside planning projects from start to finish, making a real impact.
- Company: Wharfe Rural Planning, a specialist consultancy focused on meaningful rural projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Work on diverse projects that genuinely improve rural communities and businesses.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing planning applications and client relationships; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with a focus on collaboration and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.
Wharfe Rural Planning is a specialist consultancy working across the full breadth of countryside planning, from strategic land promotion and commercial greenfield development to housing schemes and complex rural projects. We deliver clear, high-quality, well-reasoned planning advice that stands up to challenge, supported by a practical, real-world understanding of how things work on the ground.
Our work ranges from small but important rural projects that matter deeply to individual clients, through to larger schemes, including:
- Diversification projects, farm business developments and estate planning
- Appeals, certificates and enforcement
- Complex rural problem-solving
- Housing developments up to 100 homes
- Commercial development of greenfield sites up to 25 acres
- Strategic land promotion
We are not driven by the ego of numbers or scale. What matters to us is meaningful work that improves people’s lives, supports rural businesses and communities, and reflects the values we hold as a team. Clients come to us because we offer something different in this sector: high standards, clear judgement and practical insight, enabling us to counsel clients through the process. We help people navigate situations that are often complex and sometimes emotional, and we take pride in doing the job properly. We have a collaborative delivery structure that supports both quality and well-being.
Why join Wharfe Rural Planning?
- Lead meaningful strategic, commercial and countryside projects from first enquiry through to decision
- High autonomy, supported by a collaborative delivery structure
- Work that genuinely impacts rural businesses, families and communities
About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior/Principal Planner who wants to work on a varied mix of countryside planning projects and take responsibility for their work from end to end. Your exact level in the business will depend on your experience, but the core of the role includes:
- Leading planning projects from first enquiry through to decision
- Developing clear strategies and explaining the reasoning behind them
- Working directly with clients on matters that are personal and important to them
- Preparing applications and supporting documents to a high standard
- Managing discussions with planning officers and external consultants
- Supporting colleagues and drawing on support in return through our Job Manager / Job Advisor model
- Helping clients make confident decisions about their land or business
The work is varied and can move quickly at times, so you will need to be adaptable, comfortable with changing priorities and able to stay composed under pressure. You’ll always have support around you, but you will also need the confidence to take ownership of your part of the job. We operate a flexible hybrid model, with home working alongside time in Cheshire for site visits, team collaboration and client meetings.
About You
Fit and approach matter more than job titles. You’ll likely already have experience managing planning applications and client relationships independently, and be comfortable owning projects end-to-end. What matters most is:
- Good judgement
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Emotional intelligence
- The ability to explain complex planning issues
- Confidence in taking responsibility for your work
- A grounded, practical approach to planning
- Respect for clients, colleagues, and the countryside
You do not need a purely rural background. Many excellent planners have transitioned into rural work successfully – and we’re happy to support that transition. We value MRTPI, RICS, or equivalent experience, but these are not required if your background demonstrates capability, clear thinking and professional maturity. This role will suit someone who enjoys planning as a problem-solving discipline, cares about getting things right, and appreciates working in a team that values openness, fortitude, and clear thinking.
What We Offer
- A competitive package – commensurate with experience
- A varied and interesting workload
- A high degree of autonomy, balanced with support
- A structure that allows you to grow at a pace that suits your experience
- Work that genuinely makes a difference to people and places
How to Apply
Please click on the 'apply button'. If you’d like an informal, confidential chat before applying, we’d be happy to arrange this.
Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in England employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they approach countryside planning. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior/Principal Planner. Highlight your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence, as these are key in navigating complex planning issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out for an informal chat before applying – we’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Planner – Strategic Rural & Commercial Projects in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for countryside planning shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in rural communities and how your experience aligns with our values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences that match the role. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our projects, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use simple language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the role, making it easy for us to see your fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects Wharfe Rural Planning undertakes. Be ready to discuss your experience with similar projects and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality planning advice.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves complex rural problem-solving, prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully navigated challenges. Highlight your ability to think critically and adapt to changing priorities, as this will resonate well with the team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when explaining complex planning issues. The interviewers will appreciate your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for working directly with clients and managing discussions with planning officers.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Given the personal nature of the projects, showing empathy and understanding during the interview can set you apart. Share experiences where you've successfully managed client relationships and demonstrated respect for their needs and concerns.