Planning Officer (Development Planning) in Leeds

Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.

Job description: Development Planner

We offer a competitive salary dependant on experience, structured training and development opportunities in line with the Development Planner progression plan, an annual performance related bonus, an attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution), life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus two wellness days, and a great benefits package including health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover, retail savings scheme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Where I’d work: This role will be based in Leeds city centre with a hybrid working arrangement in place, a mix of office and home working.

Work type: This is a permanent role. You will be working full time, expected to work 37 hours per week within a working window of 8:00am-6:00pm Monday to Friday.

What we do: Keyland Developments Ltd is a sister company to Yorkshire Water and is a strategic land promoter unlocking thousands of new homes and millions of square feet of employment space across Yorkshire. We are focused on promoting truly sustainable development that creates value for society and the environment contributing positively to a thriving Yorkshire region.

Where you fit in: We are looking for a Development Planner to join the team and play a key role in promoting properties within the Keylands portfolio through the statutory planning system to achieve a marketable consent. You will actively seek out and promote short, medium, and long-term third-party land opportunities across the Yorkshire region to support Keylands growing PPA initiative. You will also work with Keylands Property Team and Yorkshire Waters Land & Property Team to identify other non-operational assets that could be released to Keyland to unlock their development potential via the planning process and support Keylands site finding initiative.

Some key role responsibilities include:

• Preparation of offers and tender submissions to secure new PPA opportunities in line with Keyland Board Statement of Principles.
• Attend meetings and interviews with prospective landowners and their agents to secure new sites.
• Negotiate Heads of Terms for new land opportunities with land agents and landowners.
• Managing of sites through the legal process to sign up new land opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with landowners and agents, acting as first point of contact once a PPA is signed up, reporting on progress on a quarterly basis.
• Liaise with local planning authorities to ensure suitable representations are made on draft development plans that may affect properties within the Company’s portfolio.
• Attend community engagements and planning committee meetings as necessary.
• Carry out health and safety site visits.
• Support the company’s external PR and business development activities, including social media channels, preparation of award submissions, organisation of external events.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Relevant town planning degree or equivalent.
• Membership of the RTPI.
• Ability to work towards MRICS membership.
• Knowledge of the statutory planning system, including legislation, policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to manage a number of consultant teams of professionals in relation to specific projects to achieve planning permissions within agreed programmes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate to different audiences.
• Familiarity with all legal and contractual aspects of the land process.
• Experience of delivering results against challenging business targets.
• Experience of working in a commercially orientated environment.
• Good prioritisation and time management skills.
• Strong IT skills (as you will be using a number of systems, in the role, principally; Microsoft Office suite).
• A full UK driving licence, with no more than 6 points.

If you’re an experienced planning professional and want to help us deliver an exceptional service, then apply today to find out what a career with Keyland can offer for you. Please upload an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover statement outlining your relevant experience for the role.

Recruitment Process: Closing Date: 8th August, 2026. If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required. Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.