Principal Town Planner

Location: Bristol, UK Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Town Planner to join our planning team based in Bristol. This is a senior role suited to a chartered planning professional who can lead complex projects, mentor junior colleagues, and act as a key client-facing consultant across a varied portfolio of development work spanning multiple sectors - including residential, commercial, mixed-use, education, healthcare, and energy/infrastructure throughout the Southwest and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and project-manage a range of planning applications across diverse sectors, from small-scale developments to major mixed-use schemes, from inception through to determination
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients, including site appraisals, planning strategy, and development feasibility
• Prepare and coordinate planning application submissions, including writing planning statements, design and access statements, and supporting technical documents
• Manage relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other stakeholders
• Represent clients at pre-application meetings, planning committees, and public inquiries
• Provide expert witness support and input for appeals (written representations, hearings, and inquiries)
• Line-manage, mentor, and support the professional development of junior and graduate planners
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing, client pitches, and identifying new opportunities across sectors
• Support internal quality assurance processes, ensuring outputs are technically robust and commercially sound
• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (RTPI-accredited)
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)
• Substantial post-qualification experience (typically 6+ years) in a planning consultancy, local authority, or similar environment
• Strong track record of managing complex planning applications and appeals across a range of sectors
• Excellent working knowledge of the English planning system, national policy (NPPF), and local development plans
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead project teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting at committee
• Full UK driving licence

What We Offer

• Salary of £48,000 - £58,000, dependent on experience
• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
• Professional subscriptions and CPD support (RTPI membership, training budget)
• Clear progression pathway towards Associate/Director level
• Central Bristol office location with good transport links
• Pension scheme, private healthcare, and other standard benefits