Senior/Principal Town Planner

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a highly regarded, independent planning consultancy to appoint a Senior or Principal Planner for their Hampshire office.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced planning professional seeking meaningful project exposure, long-term career growth. Working across various property sectors, including residential, commercial, leisure, energy, and heritage.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established planning consultancy delivering clear, pragmatic advice across a wide range of property sectors, including residential, commercial, leisure, energy, and heritage. Their work spans major strategic developments through to smaller, complex schemes where thoughtful planning input makes a genuine difference.

With a strong regional and national presence, the business continues to grow sustainably and places real value on its people, encouraging autonomy, collaboration, and progression at every level.

The Role

As a Senior or Principal Planner, you will take responsibility for managing your own projects, building trusted client relationships, and contributing to the wider success of the practice. You will work on varied and high-quality schemes, supported by a collaborative and experienced team.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Project Delivery

• Preparing written fee proposals in line with agreed templates and commercial principles

• Undertaking planning history reviews, policy research, and site appraisals

• Carrying out site visits and preparing accurate written and visual records

• Providing clear written and verbal planning advice to clients

• Preparing, submitting, and managing planning applications, pre-applications, appeals, listed building consents, certificates of lawfulness, and prior approvals

• Drafting planning statements, design & access statements, heritage statements, and related documentation

• Preparing and presenting local plan representations and supporting site promotion

• Managing appeals via written representations, hearings, and inquiries, including acting as an expert witness where appropriate

• Representing clients at planning committees and meetings

Client & Team Collaboration

• Acting as a key point of contact for clients across a range of project sizes

• Coordinating external consultants on small to medium-sized projects

• Supporting senior colleagues on larger and more complex schemes

• Maintaining proactive and transparent communication throughout all project stages

Leadership & Development

• Mentoring and supporting junior team members

• Delegating work appropriately and reviewing outputs

• Preparing and maintaining personal development plans

• Contributing to a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture

Business Development

• Responding to new enquiries promptly and professionally

• Building and maintaining a strong professional network

• Generating repeat business and referrals through trusted relationships

• Participating in networking and wider business development initiatives

• Supporting operational and business improvement projects

Essential Requirements

• Chartered Town Planner / RTPI Member

• Strong, broad experience across the planning system

• Sound commercial awareness of development projects

• Understanding of consultancy business operations

• Full UK driving licence (exceptions may be considered)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

• Exposure to high-quality and diverse planning projects

• Genuine opportunities for progression and professional growth

Apply

If you are an experienced planner looking to take the next step in your career within a respected and forward-thinking consultancy, Ocean to Earth Recruitment would love to hear from you.

All applications and enquiries are handled in strict confidence.