Planning Consultant

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chartered Town Planner to join a well-established planning consultancy with over two decades of expertise in the fast food and hospitality sectors. The role focuses on delivering high-quality planning applications and appeals for national food and beverage clients, primarily on brownfield sites across town centres, retail parks, and transport corridors-ranging from heritage conversions to new builds. The team also supports developments in holiday parks and EV charging infrastructure, offering a balanced mix of technical challenge and sector-specific focus. While the core work is consistent, each project brings unique site-specific nuances, ensuring a dynamic yet predictable workflow. You'll be part of a collaborative, client-facing team that values technical excellence, professional development, and work-life balance. The role offers a flexible hybrid working model-office once a week in Suffolk, with remote work for the rest of the week-and includes regular site visits (3-4 days monthly). This is a career-focused opportunity for a planning professional who thrives in a structured, technical environment with meaningful client impact.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and submission of planning applications and appeals for food and beverage, holiday park, and EV charging infrastructure developments.
  
• Conduct detailed site assessments, policy analysis, and strategic planning advice to support robust application outcomes.
  
• Collaborate with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders to address planning queries and secure consents efficiently.
  
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
  
• Participate in site visits to assess development feasibility and gather critical on-the-ground insights.
  
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of application processes.
  

• Chartered status with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
  
• Minimum of four years of post-qualification experience in a planning consultancy, local authority, or client-side planning role.
  
• Proven track record in handling planning applications and appeals, particularly in the retail, hospitality, or infrastructure sectors.
  
• Strong understanding of national and local planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a focus on clarity and professionalism.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a flexible, remote-first environment.
  
• Willingness to be in Suffolk at least once per week and to travel for site visits (3-4 days per month).
  
• Flexibility to work hybrid or fully remote, with location flexibility for candidates within a 1-2 hour commute to Suffolk.