via Reed · 6 October 2026 ·2 days ago

Senior / Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Cheltenham Full-time GBP 40,000 – 55,000
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Job Title: Senior / Principal Town Planner

Location: Cheltenham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing and ambitious planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Town Planner / Principal Town Planner to join their team in Cheltenham.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional looking to take the next step in their career, build their reputation within the industry and work on a varied portfolio of planning projects across the public and private sectors.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and forward-thinking team, providing high quality, commercially focused planning advice to a range of clients. The role offers excellent exposure to development management, appeals, planning legislation and business development, with the opportunity to take real ownership of projects and client relationships.

The Role

As a Senior / Principal Town Planner, you will be involved in a varied workload, including:

  • Managing and processing planning applications from submission through to determination.

  • Preparing robust planning reports, recommendations and supporting documentation.

  • Providing professional planning advice to landowners, developers and other private sector clients.

  • Preparing and presenting evidence for planning appeals.

  • Keeping up to date with current and emerging planning legislation, policy and guidance.

  • Working across a broad range of planning sectors and development types.

  • Providing support, guidance and mentoring to more junior members of the team.

  • Building strong client relationships and contributing to repeat business.

  • Supporting wider business development and identifying opportunities for growth.

  • Contributing to the continued improvement and development of the planning service.

About You

The successful Senior / Principal Town Planner will ideally have:

  • A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.

  • MRTPI accreditation is desirable, although candidates working towards chartership will also be considered.

  • At least 3 years' relevant planning experience within either the public or private sector.

  • Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and current planning legislation.

  • Experience dealing with planning applications and development management.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • The ability to manage your own workload and work independently.

  • Experience working with landowners, developers and other stakeholders.

  • A commercially minded approach and the ability to identify opportunities for further work.

  • A genuine ambition to progress your career within a growing consultancy.

What's on Offer?
  • Competitive salary and remuneration package.

  • Hybrid working arrangements.

  • Private medical care.

  • Life insurance.

  • Excellent career progression opportunities.

  • A varied and interesting workload.

  • The opportunity to play a key role within a growing planning consultancy.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on or

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