Vacancy for a Senior or Principal Planner in Hertfordshire
Essential
· Chartered Planner/RTPI Member
· Full driving license (exceptions can be considered)
Knowledge Required
· Good understanding and ability in the full range of planning work
· Good commercial understanding of development projects
· Good commercial understanding of planning consultancy business
Job Title: Senior or Principal Planner Vacancy
Location
The Workstation, Rivers Lodge, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JDJob Description
We are looking for a Senior or Principal Planner based in our Hertfordshire Office.
Bell Cornwell LLP is an independent town planning consultancy known for its high-quality team and strong reputation for providing clear, realistic advice with a personalised service. We work across various property sectors, including residential, commercial, leisure, energy, and heritage.
Our projects range from substantial, high-profile developments to smaller, complex proposals where our planning input adds significant value. Our diverse clients include large national developers, commercial property operators, landed estates, and private individuals.
With offices in Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Exeter, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and London, we deliver projects throughout the UK. As our practice continues to grow, we offer a fantastic opportunity to join a leading consultancy dedicated to staff development and excellent client service.
We are looking for candidates with strong and broad planning experience and a commercial mindset. The successful candidate will manage their own projects, build strong client relationships, and actively participate in business development initiatives.
If you are ready to lead projects of all types and sizes and deliver to a high standard, apply now to progress your career with us. Enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefits
Main Responsibilities
Planning Work
· Preparing written fee proposals for clients following practice templates and guidelines
· Undertaking planning history and policy research independently and accurately
· Undertaking site visits and preparing written and visual record independently and accurately
· Preparing written site appraisals for clients to provide clear record of findings and advice
· Providing written and verbal planning advice to clients to provide clear recommendations
· Preparing, submitting, and proactively managing pre-application advice requests and applications including planning, enforcement, listed building consent, certificate of lawfulness and prior approvals
· Preparing planning, design & access, heritage, and other related statements for submission
· Preparing written local plan representations for site promotion and representations at examinations at an appropriate level · Submitting and managing appeals by written representations, hearings and inquiries including preparation of appeal statements and representation at site visits, hearings and appropriate level inquiries as an expert witness
· Dealing directly with clients for all size projects
· Coordinating a team of consultants on small/medium projects
· Assisting senior staff/Partners on larger projects
· Speaking on behalf of clients at planning committee meetings
· Regular and clear communication with clients and team at all stages of projects
· Proactive management of client relationships both as part of specific projects and outside of this
· Undertaking all personal, project and financial administrative tasks in line with company requirements
Knowledge Required
· Good understanding and ability in the full range of planning work
· Good commercial understanding of development projects
· Good commercial understanding of planning consultancy business
· Preparing, maintaining, and implementing Personal Development Plan Mentoring of Staff
· Mentoring junior staff in their professional development
· Some delegation to, and reviewing work of, junior staff Business Development
· Handling new enquiries at an appropriate level with prompt responses and follow up to secure new instructions
· Achieving self-sufficiency in generating own planning work by building network of contacts, actively developing client relationships, raising personal profile, achieving recommendations and referrals
· Participation in company-wide business development projects
· Representing the company at networking events ·
Preparing, maintaining, and implementing Individual Business Development Plan
· Participating in wider business operational improvement initiatives
· Any other tasks commensurate with the post