Principal Planner Solar Farm (National Infrastructure Project)

Dunnebier Print & Marketing; Doncaster; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading development consultancy is seeking a Principal Planner to manage a significant Solar Farm application in Doncaster. The candidate will work closely with the Planning Inspectorate and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with national requirements. This hybrid role requires a qualified Town Planner with experience in large-scale projects and renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms. Flexibility, strong analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant development management experience with large-scale projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex planning applications.
• Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and development management of the Solar Farm NSIP application.
• Coordinate with the Planning Inspectorate and technical specialists.
• Provide professional planning advice to senior officers.

Skills

Development management experience

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Town Planner (MRTPI or working towards)

Job description

Location: Doncaster (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

Contract Type: Fixed-term / Contract (until project completion or funding end)

Hours: 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday

Rate: £50 per hour Ltd and £38.13 PAYE

Contract Dates: 05/01/2026 until 30/06/2026

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Planner to provide planning and development management expertise for a major Solar Farm application, part of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This role will support Doncaster Council in managing this complex planning application process, working closely with the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), stakeholders, and internal teams. You will play a vital role in ensuring the project progresses smoothly, meeting national requirements and key milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and development management of the Solar Farm NSIP application.
• Coordinate with the Planning Inspectorate, statutory consultees, and technical specialists.
• Provide professional planning advice to senior officers and members.
• Monitor project milestones and manage bespoke deliverables.
• Support policy interpretation, compliance, and strategic planning outcomes.
• Adapt to changing workloads during busy periods (35 weeks) followed by quieter phases.

About You

• Qualified Town Planner (MRTPI or working towards) with significant development management experience.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale or complex planning applications.
• Previous exposure to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is essential.
• Experience in renewable energy projects (particularly solar farms) is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Comfortable working flexibly and independently.

Contract & Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working combination of on-site presence in Doncaster and remote work.
• Contract duration linked to project completion and available funding, with possible extension.