Principal Town Planner (Planning Consultancy)

About the Role

• Devising planning strategies and assessing site history and policies. • Preparing briefing notes on the likelihood of obtaining planning permission. • Drafting clear, persuasive planning statements to support proposals. • Leading planning aspects within multidisciplinary project teams. • Attending site visits, design team meetings and client consultations. • Managing project delivery, timelines and budgetary control. • Collaborating with colleagues across WSP, such as Transport and Sustainability teams. • Monitoring planning applications and responding to consultation feedback.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸planning strategy
• ▸site assessment
• ▸briefing notes
• ▸planning statements
• ▸project management
• ▸site visits

What You Bring

We are seeking enthusiastic team players with a can‑do attitude, preferably with private‑sector consultancy experience and an understanding of local authority processes. The Principal Planner will lead planning aspects of multidisciplinary projects, prepare appraisals, negotiate with authorities, and ensure high‑quality delivery. • Degree level qualification in town planning. • Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject. • Chartered status (MRTPI or NIPA). • Proven knowledge of the UK planning system from private‑sector experience. • Strong technical and commercial planning consultancy skills. • Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

Requirements

• ▸town planning
• ▸postgraduate
• ▸chartered
• ▸uk planning
• ▸consultancy
• ▸team player

Benefits

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP you can access global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with leading minds to do the best work of your life. The culture celebrates curiosity, new ideas, and diverse perspectives, offering a unique career path. Employees benefit from hybrid working, a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusive culture, flexible hour programmes, and ample development opportunities such as training, mentoring and chartership support. • Hybrid working with two days per week remote. • Inclusive culture with employee resource groups and support for diverse backgrounds. • Health and wellbeing programmes including Thrive, Virtual GP, Gymflex and menopause support. • Flexible hour scheme (WSP My Hour) and options for part‑time or additional leave. • Development opportunities through training, mentoring and chartership support.

Work Environment

Hybrid