Senior Planner - Town Planning

Senior / Principal Planner - Senior Planner - Town Planning

North West England Hybrid Working

An established specialist planning consultancy is seeking a Senior or Principal Planner to join its growing team. The practice focuses on countryside and rural development work, delivering thoughtful, commercially grounded planning advice across a diverse portfolio of projects.

This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful schemes that range from individually significant rural applications to larger strategic development projects. The consultancy is known for its clear judgement, practical insight and ability to guide clients through complex planning processes with confidence.

The Work:

Projects typically include:

• Farm diversification, estate planning and rural enterprise schemes

• Appeals, certificates of lawfulness and enforcement matters

• Residential developments of up to circa 100 units

• Commercial greenfield development sites up to approximately 25 acres

• Strategic land promotion

• Complex rural planning challenges requiring clear, reasoned strategy

The team places strong emphasis on quality of advice rather than volume of work, prioritising well-considered planning solutions that support long-term outcomes.

The Role:

You will manage projects from first instruction through to decision, taking responsibility for strategy development, application preparation and client engagement.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading planning applications and appeals

• Developing robust planning strategies

• Preparing high-quality supporting documentation

• Negotiating with local authorities and coordinating external consultants

• Advising clients on matters that are often commercially and personally significant

• Contributing to a collaborative internal team structure

The role offers autonomy and responsibility within a supportive framework that encourages professional growth.

About You:

The consultancy is open to candidates at different career stages; experience level will determine seniority within the business. You must currently live in the UK and have UK work experince.

Key attributes include:

• Strong professional judgement

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to explain complex planning issues in accessible terms

• Confidence in taking ownership of projects

• A grounded, practical and solutions-focused mindset

• Adaptability and resilience

• MRTPI, RICS or equivalent professional accreditation is welcomed but not essential where experience demonstrates capability and maturity.

• Previous rural planning experience is advantageous, though strong planners from other sectors who are keen to transition into countryside work will be considered.

What s on Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Hybrid working

• Varied and interesting project portfolio

• High level of autonomy balanced with structured support

• Clear progression pathway

• Opportunity to work on projects that have tangible impact on landowners, rural businesses and communities

This is an excellent opportunity for a planner who values thoughtful work, strong professional standards and being part of a collaborative, grounded team.

How to Apply?

Please submit your CV today, Thatcher Associates looks forward to recieving your application.