Senior Planning Consultant

Job Title: Senior Planner
Location: Cheltenham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an innovative environmental and planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner to join their growing team in Cheltenham.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner to join a consultancy working at the forefront of Local Plan promotion, environmental planning, and sustainable development. The successful candidate will contribute to projects that directly influence climate resilience, housing delivery, biodiversity enhancement, green infrastructure, and long-term placemaking across the UK.

THE ROLE

As a Senior Planner, you will play a key role in supporting and delivering Local Plan and environmental planning projects for a broad range of clients across England.

You will work closely with colleagues on planning policy, Sustainability Appraisals (SA), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), and wider environmental planning work, helping clients navigate ongoing planning reforms and evolving legislation.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Planner looking to work on projects that shape communities and deliver meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Supporting the preparation, review, and consultation stages of Local Plans and environmental policies
* Assisting with Sustainability Appraisals (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA)
* Undertaking planning policy research, data analysis, and evidence base preparation
* Supporting spatial analysis and mapping work using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS
* Preparing reports, consultation documents, and technical assessments
* Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, statutory consultees, developers, and community groups
* Supporting project delivery across planning reform, housing, biodiversity, and sustainability projects
* Contributing to knowledge sharing and wider team development initiatives

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

* Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
* MRTPI qualified or working towards Chartership
* Experience within a planning, environmental, or consultancy environment
* Strong understanding of the UK planning system and Local Plan preparation
* Knowledge of Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment processes
* Experience using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS desirable
* Strong analytical, research, and written communication skills
* Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects effectively
* A collaborative approach and genuine interest in sustainable development and planning reform

WHAT'S ON OFFER

* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
* Opportunity to work on nationally significant planning and environmental projects
* Supportive and collaborative consultancy environment
* Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development
* Exposure to projects focused on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable placemaking

Interested? Contact Joel Bland on (phone number removed) or email at (url removed)