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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 career growth and involvement in high-profile developments.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communities while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and significant experience in Development Management.
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) 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent developments and challenges in the planning landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Principal Planner, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence in handling complex discussions and securing high-quality outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job in planning!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner (Development Management)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Development Management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Planner, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your confident communication style. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning issues in the past.
Highlight Your Planning Knowledge: Keep us updated on your understanding of UK planning policy and legislation. Mention any recent changes you’ve navigated or how you’ve applied this knowledge in your previous roles. This will show us you're on top of your game!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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. Be ready to share 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. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've previously provided clear advice to clients or presented evidence during planning appeals.
✨Practice Report Writing
Since producing high-quality reports is key in this role, consider bringing a sample of your work or preparing a mock report. This will give you a chance to highlight your ability to create robust, well-reasoned recommendations under pressure.