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Senior Town Planner - Job Opportunity at Carrington West

Leeds, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 8, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 30,000 - 60,000 per year

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangement providing optimal work-life balance and reduced commuting costs while maintaining collaborative team engagement
Career development opportunities within an employee-owned business structure that typically offers greater job security and profit-sharing potential
Access to diverse and meaningful project portfolio spanning renewable energy, waste management, and commercial developments
Support from experienced planning and landscape professionals fostering accelerated skill development and mentorship

Key Responsibilities

Lead coordination and preparation of complex planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments, directly influencing major infrastructure and development projects
Conduct strategic site appraisals and deliver high-level advisory services that shape client investment decisions and development strategies
Manage critical stakeholder relationships with local authorities and communities, serving as the primary liaison for project approval and public acceptance
Oversee sub-consultant teams and coordinate multi-disciplinary project delivery, demonstrating leadership capabilities across specialized technical domains
Deliver expert planning consultancy services across multiple high-growth sectors including renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives

Requirements

Education

RTPI Chartered (or working towards) with a planning-related degree/Masters

Experience

Previous experience within energy, waste, minerals, or commercial sectors is beneficial

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and procedures Excellent communication and project management skills

Certifications

RTPI Chartered (or working towards)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UK planning sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by government commitments to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, creating substantial demand for planners specializing in renewable energy projects including wind, solar, and battery storage developments. Infrastructure investment through programs like the National Infrastructure Strategy and Levelling Up agenda is generating significant opportunities in waste management, minerals extraction, and commercial development projects requiring specialized planning expertise. Digital transformation in planning processes, including the introduction of digital planning applications and data-driven decision making, is reshaping how planning consultancies operate and deliver services to clients. Post-Brexit regulatory changes and evolving environmental legislation are creating new compliance requirements and opportunities for planning professionals who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of £30,000-60,000 reflects appropriate market positioning for senior-level planning roles in Leeds, with progression potential based on RTPI chartered status, sector specialization, and project management capabilities. The wide range suggests opportunity for rapid advancement within the role.

Role Significance

Typically managing teams of 3-8 professionals including junior planners, environmental consultants, and specialist sub-contractors across multi-disciplinary project delivery structures.
Senior-level position requiring independent project management, client relationship management, and technical expertise in complex planning applications. The role combines strategic advisory responsibilities with hands-on delivery, indicating significant organizational trust and client-facing authority.

Key Projects

Large-scale renewable energy developments including wind farms, solar installations, and energy storage facilities requiring complex environmental assessments Commercial and industrial development projects involving retail, logistics, and manufacturing facilities with significant planning considerations Waste management and minerals extraction projects requiring specialized regulatory knowledge and stakeholder engagement Strategic development frameworks and masterplanning initiatives for local authorities and private developers

Success Factors

Mastery of UK planning legislation and procedures combined with practical application across diverse development sectors enables successful navigation of complex regulatory environments and client advisory relationships. Strong stakeholder management capabilities facilitate effective relationships with local planning authorities, community groups, and technical specialists, ensuring project approval success and timely delivery. Project management excellence ensures coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, adherence to statutory timelines, and delivery of high-quality planning applications and supporting documentation. Technical expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment processes and sustainability considerations positions professionals for leadership roles in the growing renewable energy and sustainable development sectors.

Market Demand

High demand driven by government infrastructure commitments, renewable energy transition requirements, and ongoing commercial development needs across Yorkshire and Northern England regions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

UK planning legislation and procedures knowledge forms the foundation for all advisory and application work, enabling confident navigation of statutory requirements and successful project delivery. Project management capabilities ensure effective coordination of complex multi-disciplinary projects, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to critical timelines for planning applications and client deliverables. Communication skills facilitate successful client advisory relationships, stakeholder engagement with local authorities and communities, and effective team coordination across technical specialists.

Beneficial Skills

Environmental Impact Assessment expertise becomes increasingly valuable as sustainability requirements intensify and renewable energy projects expand across the UK market. Renewable energy sector knowledge positions professionals for high-growth opportunities in wind, solar, and battery storage development projects driven by net-zero commitments. Digital planning tools proficiency supports efficiency improvements and competitive advantage as the planning system undergoes digital transformation and modernization initiatives.

Unique Aspects

Employee-owned business structure provides unique opportunity for professional development and potential ownership participation, creating alignment between individual success and organizational growth.
Diverse project portfolio spanning renewable energy, waste management, minerals, and commercial development offers exceptional breadth of experience and specialization opportunities within a single role.
Hybrid working model based in Leeds provides access to major Northern England development markets while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance advantages.
Integration with established planning and landscape architecture team creates comprehensive service delivery capabilities and enhanced learning opportunities across related disciplines.

Career Growth

Progression to Principal level typically achievable within 2-3 years with strong performance, while Director-level roles generally require 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership and business development success.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Town Planner with expanded client portfolio and team leadership responsibilities Planning Director overseeing regional operations and business development activities Associate Partner in planning consultancy with equity participation and strategic decision-making authority Head of Planning for major development or infrastructure organizations

Company Overview

Carrington West

Carrington West operates as a specialized recruitment consultancy serving the planning, environmental, and infrastructure sectors across the UK. The firm focuses on connecting experienced professionals with leading consultancies, local authorities, and development organizations.

Established player in the UK planning recruitment market with strong relationships across consultancy, public sector, and development industries, providing access to diverse career opportunities and professional networks.
Strong presence across Yorkshire and Northern England regions with particular expertise in infrastructure, energy, and commercial development sectors that align with regional economic priorities and government investment programs.
Professional services environment emphasizing career development, technical excellence, and client relationship management, with hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance and flexible service delivery.
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