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- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and provide expert advice to clients and stakeholders.
- Company: Dynamic planning consultancy with a focus on innovative development solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, health insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and involvement in high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while advancing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and significant experience in Development Management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead on pre‑application discussions and the assessment and determination of major and complex planning applications for both public and private sector clients, including Planning Performance Agreements.
- Provide clear, high‑quality professional planning advice to clients, applicants, consultees and councillors, helping manage risk, complexity and competing priorities, while supporting sound decision‑making and positive outcomes.
- Prepare robust, well‑reasoned reports and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions, supporting timely, defensible outcomes in line with current policy and legislation.
- Negotiate with applicants, stakeholders and local communities to secure high‑quality, policy‑compliant development.
- Support planning appeals and complex casework, including the preparation and presentation of professional evidence as required.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of planning policy to support effective service delivery and client objectives.
- Operate confidently within busy planning environments, quickly understanding local context and priorities to help teams progress work effectively under pressure.
Required Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline, with Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or working towards chartership at Senior level where appropriate).
- Significant experience working in a Development Management role within the public sector, consultancy or a client‑facing planning environment, with the ability to operate at Senior or Principal level.
- Strong understanding and practical application of UK planning policy and legislation, including current and emerging changes.
- Proven ability to manage major and complex planning applications, including pre‑application advice and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
- Experience producing high‑quality, robust reports and recommendations, including for delegated decisions and planning committees.
- Confident communicator, able to engage effectively with applicants, stakeholders, members and multidisciplinary teams.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to meet client requirements.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience working across both public and private sector planning environments.
- Involvement in planning appeals, including preparation of evidence or expert witness experience.
- Experience of negotiating on complex schemes and contributing to the delivery of high‑profile or large‑scale developments.
Benefits
- As a salaried colleague, you'll receive a salary in line with your experience and an industry‑leading benefits package:
- Company car or car allowance
- Contribution to commuting mileage
- Permanent health insurance
- 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more), in addition to the normal public holidays (based on a 40 hour week, pro rata for part‑time colleagues)
- Company pension contribution
- Salary sacrifice to buy additional benefits
- 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community
Principal Planner (Development Management) in England employer: Waterman Aspen Limited
Contact Detail:
Waterman Aspen Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner (Development Management) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the planning sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We recommend practising common interview questions related to planning management. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their work and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. We love seeing candidates take that extra step!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Planner role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Development Management) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planner. We want to see how your skills in managing complex planning applications and providing high-quality advice can shine through!
Showcase Your Reports: Since producing robust reports is key, include examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to prepare well-reasoned recommendations. We love seeing clear, concise writing that supports sound decision-making!
Communicate Confidently: As a confident communicator, your application should reflect your ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders. Use your written application to show us how you can negotiate and collaborate with different teams and clients.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out, so feel free to express your passion for planning and community development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterman Aspen Limited
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK planning policies and legislation. Being able to discuss current and emerging changes confidently will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive in staying updated.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Think about potential complex planning applications you might encounter and how you would approach them. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed competing priorities or negotiated with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to engage effectively with various parties. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to demonstrate how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in previous roles.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Work
Have a portfolio of your previous reports and recommendations ready to share. This will not only highlight your ability to produce high-quality work but also give you concrete examples to discuss during the interview.