Principal Planning Consultant - Bedford

Oxford-Cambridge Growth, Appeals & Strategic Land

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Principal Planning Consultant to join a growing consultancy team advising on major residential-led development schemes across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.

This firm is particularly well regarded for its work promoting land through Local Plans and delivering complex strategic housing schemes, often requiring careful coordination of infrastructure evidence, political engagement and appeal strategy.

If you enjoy working on projects that shape long-term regional growth, this is an opportunity that will genuinely challenge and develop you.

The Role

As Principal Planning Consultant, you will lead strategic projects and provide high-level planning advice to clients.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex residential planning applications and strategic land promotions
• Drafting robust Planning Statements, evidence documents and policy submissions
• Managing Local Plan representations and examination preparation
• Leading appeal strategies, including hearing and inquiry preparation
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary consultant teams (transport, flood risk, heritage, EIA)
• Acting as lead client contact and trusted planning advisor
• Supporting junior planners with technical development and mentoring
• Contributing to planning strategy workshops and client presentations

About You

• MRTPI qualified (or extremely close to completion)
• Strong experience in consultancy, local authority or developer-side planning
• Proven Local Plan promotion and strategic planning capability
• Excellent written skills and confident client communication
• Commercial awareness and ability to manage multiple projects effectively

A superb opportunity for a planner looking to operate at a more strategic and influential level.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence.