Town Planner - Colchester

Location: Colchester, Essex (Colchester Head Office)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Are you an experienced planning professional looking for your next career step in a hands-on, supportive consultancy environment? A well-regarded multidisciplinary planning and development advisory practice - known for delivering clear, pragmatic planning solutions across residential, commercial and heritage sectors - is seeking a Town Planner to join their Colchester team.

About the Role

In this varied and rewarding position you'll be responsible for driving planning projects from inception through to decision. Working closely with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, you'll provide expert planning advice, manage applications, and deliver strategic input on land use, policy, feasibility and negotiations. This is an excellent opportunity to build your profile within a growing practice that values collaboration, quality and client-focused outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the preparation and submission of planning applications, supporting statements and technical reports
Conduct detailed policy analysis, site appraisals and feasibility assessments
Engage with clients, local authorities and third-party consultees to secure positive planning outcomes
Advise on planning policy, constraints and opportunities
Support appeals, condition discharge and enforcement matters as required
Mentor junior team members and contribute to enhancing internal processes

About You

Qualification: Degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) with RTPI accreditation or working towards chartership
Experience: Proven consultancy or local authority planning experience, handling applications across a range of scales
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong report writing ability
Confident in managing multiple projects and deadlines with a proactive approach
Commercial awareness and focus on delivering pragmatic planning solutions

Why This Role?

This consultancy simplifies complex planning and compliance processes for clients ranging from homeowners and developers to architects and public sector organisations. With a collaborative culture and a breadth of project types, this is a fantastic opportunity to further develop your professional skills and make a real impact within the business.

What's On Offer

Competitive remuneration and benefits package
Professional development support and chartership encouragement
Varied project exposure across residential, commercial and heritage planning
A growing, supportive team environment
Office based in Colchester with hybrid working flexibility

Interested?
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Neil Ellerton at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or (url removed).