Chartered Town Planner

Squires Planning Ltd.; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A planning consultancy just outside Crawley is seeking a Planning Consultant. This hybrid role offers flexibility and involves preparing planning applications, conducting site visits, and drafting reports. Candidates should have experience in planning and strong communication skills. The firm values attitude and willingness to learn over a perfect CV. Opportunities for networking and professional growth are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, either in a local authority or consultancy setting.
• Working understanding of the planning system or a desire to build knowledge.
• Confidence in building relationships and working in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit planning applications and appeals.
• Carry out site visits and appraisals.
• Draft clear and well reasoned reports.

Skills

Planning experience

Client relationship building

Clear writing skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related subject

Tools

Planning or mapping systems/software

Job description

Squires Planning is an independent planning consultancy that believes good planning should make life simpler, not harder. We help our clients navigate complex planning challenges with clear, practical advice, and we are proud of the long term relationships we build along the way.

We are a small, growing team based just outside Crawley with a second office in the Thames Valley. The work is varied, the pace is steady but manageable, and we try very hard to create an environment where people enjoy coming to work and still have a life outside it.

Role Description

This is a full time, hybrid role based just outside Crawley, with flexibility to work from home outside of our core office days (Tuesday to Thursday).

You will work on a mix of projects, including:

• Preparing and submitting planning applications and appeals
• Carrying out site visits and appraisals
• Drafting clear, well reasoned reports and statements
• Talking to clients, consultants and local authorities
• Helping to shape planning strategies and manage projects through the system
• Managing a range of projects, with support tailored to your experience

If you enjoy building relationships and have an interest in business development, we will support you in that too. The team currently find themselves “networking” on golf courses, at MIPIM on the French Riviera, and at PropSki in the Alps, and there are plenty of other opportunities to meet people across our industry if that’s something you would like to be involved in.

Qualifications

We are more interested in your attitude, judgement and willingness to learn than a perfect CV. If you have some of the following, you will likely be a good fit:

• Experience working in planning, either in a local authority or consultancy setting
• A working understanding of the planning system, or a strong desire to build that knowledge
• Confidence in talking to people, building relationships and working as part of a team
• The ability to write clearly and explain your reasoning
• An organised approach to managing your own workload and meeting deadlines

It would be helpful, but not essential, if you also have:

• A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning or a related subject, or equivalent experience
• RTPI membership, or be working towards it
• Familiarity with planning or mapping systems/software

If you are not sure you tick every box, we would still be very happy to hear from you. If you are looking for more variety, more support and a better balance in your working life, this could be a good move.