Principal Town Planner
Location: Bristol, UK | Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £48,000 - £58,000
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Principal Town Planner to join our planning team based in Bristol. This is a senior role suited to a chartered planning professional who can lead complex projects, mentor junior colleagues, and act as a key client-facing consultant across a varied portfolio of development work spanning multiple sectors — including residential, commercial, mixed-use, education, healthcare, and energy/infrastructure throughout the Southwest and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and project-manage a range of planning applications across diverse sectors, from small-scale developments to major mixed-use schemes, from inception through to determination
- Provide strategic planning advice to clients, including site appraisals, planning strategy, and development feasibility
- Prepare and coordinate planning application submissions, including writing planning statements, design and access statements, and supporting technical documents
- Manage relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other stakeholders
- Represent clients at pre-application meetings, planning committees, and public inquiries
- Provide expert witness support and input for appeals (written representations, hearings, and inquiries)
- Line-manage, mentor, and support the professional development of junior and graduate planners
- Contribute to business development, including proposal writing, client pitches, and identifying new opportunities across sectors
- Support internal quality assurance processes, ensuring outputs are technically robust and commercially sound
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI-accredited)
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
- Substantial post-qualification experience (typically 6+ years) in a planning consultancy, local authority, or similar environment
- Strong track record of managing complex planning applications and appeals across a range of sectors
- Excellent working knowledge of the English planning system, national policy (NPPF), and local development plans
- Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead project teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting at committee
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Salary of £48,000 - £58,000, dependent on experience
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- Professional subscriptions and CPD support (RTPI membership, training budget)
- Clear progression pathway towards Associate/Director level
- Central Bristol office location with good transport links
- Pension scheme, private healthcare, and other standard benefits
For more information please don't hesitate to contact , alternatively if the role isn't for you please feel free to share it with your wider network!
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