Senior or Principal Town Planner

Senior or Principal Town Planner – WSP, Leeds, England, United Kingdom

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. With 72,800 passionate people, we are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.

The Planning Consultancy team in Leeds specialises in providing commercial planning advice to a wide range of private and public sector clients. We advise on development proposals throughout all stages of the planning process, from feasibility, plan promotion, application, EIA and appeal. Our projects range from complex city centre regeneration sites, tall buildings, strategic housing promotion, repurposing town centres, retail development, sports and leisure, logistics and detailed listed building reuse.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player with a can‑do attitude. Candidates will have some private sector consultancy or local authority experience, a proven ability to deliver to a high standard, strong communication skills, passion to share their knowledge and a desire to learn and contribute to the ongoing success of our team.

• Devising planning strategies, assessing site’s planning history and relevant planning policies contained within a development plan, including national planning policy and guidance.
• Preparing briefing notes that set out the likelihood of achieving planning permission for a range of uses.
• Drafting planning statements in a clear and persuasive way, to support development proposals.
• Leading planning aspects in multidisciplinary teams delivering planning projects.
• Attending site visits, design team and client meetings.
• Managing project delivery and budgetary control.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues from across WSP, for example in the Transport or Sustainability Teams, to ensure their advice is factored into the combined advice provided to clients by WSP.
• Monitoring planning applications and liaising with clients and teams to respond to consultation feedback.

• Degree level qualification in town planning.
• Chartered status (MRTPI / NIPA).
• Sound knowledge and experience of the UK planning system, gained in either a local authority or private sector setting.
• Strong technical skills.
• A commercial approach to planning consultancy and development.
• A desire to work in an established and growing planning team, surrounded and supported by a raft of fellow professionals.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Mid‑Senior level

Part‑time

Other

Professional Services

Work‑life balance: We understand that work is just one aspect of your life. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work.

Health & Wellbeing: We support our people with the Thrive programme, a Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later.

Your development: We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, and Chartership.

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Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria – please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.