Principal Town Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Level: Senior Planner / Associate Planner

Type: Full-time, permanent

The Role

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Senior / Associate Town Planner to join our growing planning team in Newcastle.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking to take the next step in their career, with the autonomy to manage projects, develop client relationships and play a key role in the continued growth of the Newcastle office.

You will work across a varied portfolio of projects, advising private and public-sector clients on planning strategy, development proposals and the delivery of successful planning outcomes. Depending on experience, the role will suit an established Senior Planner ready to progress into an Associate position, or an existing Associate Planner looking for greater responsibility and the opportunity to help shape a growing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a diverse portfolio of planning projects from inception through to determination.
• Providing commercially focused planning advice to clients, landowners and developers.
• Preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals and other planning submissions.
• Undertaking planning appraisals, development feasibility and due diligence.
• Managing client relationships and acting as a trusted planning advisor.
• Liaising with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants.
• Representing clients at meetings, committees, consultations and appeals where appropriate.
• Preparing high-quality planning statements, reports and supporting documentation.
• Monitoring changes to planning policy, legislation and emerging development opportunities.
• Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for new work.
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the planning team.
• Contributing to the growth, profile and reputation of the Newcastle office.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical planning expertise with commercial awareness and excellent communication skills.

You will ideally have:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• MRTPI or working towards chartership; chartered status is desirable.
• Significant experience within a planning consultancy, developer or local authority environment.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and relevant legislation and policy.
• Experience managing planning applications and projects independently.
• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management abilities.
• The confidence to lead projects and provide clear, commercially focused advice.
• A proactive approach to business development and winning new work.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to join a growing planning team with genuine scope for career progression and increased responsibility.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work on a diverse range of interesting and high-profile development projects.
• Build strong relationships with clients and become a trusted advisor.
• Take ownership of projects and have a real influence on outcomes.
• Develop your leadership and business development skills.
• Mentor and support the next generation of planners.
• Play an active role in the growth of our Newcastle operation.
• Progress towards Associate, Senior Associate and Director-level positions.
• Benefit from a supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.

Location

The role will be based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with flexibility around hybrid working and travel to client and planning authority meetings as required.

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