Vacancies

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a leading town planning and architectural consultancy looking to recruit a Senior Planner to join our team.

You will have your MRTPI status or be working towards membership and be experienced in managing your own varied caseload supporting high quality development outcomes across Derbyshire and the wider region. Applicants from both the public and private sectors will be considered.

Key responsibilities will include managing planning applications from initial appraisal through to determination, preparing planning statements and supporting documents, undertaking site and policy appraisals, maintaining strong client relationships, liaising with statutory consultees and local planning authorities, and contributing to business development where appropriate.

Required skills & experience:

• Experience of working on a wide range of planning projects;
• Commercially aware and able to work proactively;
• Articulate and able to communicate to clients and colleagues on all levels;
• Good level of spoken and written English;
• Excellent organisational skills.

We have an excellent track record in supporting and developing planners. We believe in giving people responsibility and autonomy and you will be given the opportunity to lead your own projects, deal directly with clients and develop your own contacts. Our learning and development offer includes mentoring, training courses and internal workshops to support Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

We offer competitive salaries and flexible working hours including a blend of office and remote working. We have a sociable office and will support you in your personal and continuing professional development.

For more information on the practice please visit About Us or get in touch by phone or email. To be considered for interview please provide a cover letter, CV and examples of your written work to: enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and asked to discuss their experience, approach to project management and examples of previous written work

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a leading town planning and architectural consultancy looking to recruit an Apprentice Planner to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a professional career in town planning while studying towards a Chartered Town Planner qualification with Sheffield Hallam University.

The apprentice will support the delivery of planning services across development management, planning policy and placemaking activities in a multi-disciplinary consultancy. Through a structured programme of work-based learning and academic study, the apprentice will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a professionally qualified Chartered Town Planner and achieve Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of planning applications, pre-application enquiries and consultations.
• Undertake research into planning policy, legislation and guidance.
• Develop written work and communication skills. Support the preparation of statements.
• Participate in site visits and meetings with clients and other stakeholders
• Help monitor planning consents and development activity.

Apprenticeship and Training Responsibilities

The postholder will be expected to:

• Enrol and actively participate in the Level 7 Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University.
• Attend all required teaching sessions, workshops and tutorials.
• Complete assignments, projects and academic assessments within agreed timescales.
• Undertake off-the-job learning in accordance with apprenticeship requirements.
• Maintain an apprenticeship portfolio evidencing knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Participate in regular progress reviews with the employer and Sheffield Hallam University.
• Work towards successful completion of the apprenticeship and End-Point Assessment.
• Achieve the professional competencies required for Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).

Person Specification

• not be in full time education
• have the right to abode in the UK

• meet the course entry requirements
• be working in a town planning role

Essential Qualifications

• Applicants must be over 18 and under 22-year-olds or 25 years if a care leaver or have an EHCP
• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (previously C) or above, including English and maths

Plus one of the following:

• 112 UCAS points from at least 2 A Levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (we accept AS Levels and general studies)
• Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: a minimum of 45 passes at level 3
• Relevant Level 3 Apprenticeship qualifications will be considered
• We may also consider relevant professional level work experience as an alternative to 32 of the UCAS points.

Desirable Qualifications

• GCSE and/or A Level in a relevant subject such as Geography or Environmental Science, Politics or Economics.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Interest in town planning and the built environment.

Key Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic and motivated learner.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional and responsible approach to work.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Adaptable and resilient when managing study and work commitments.

Career Progression

Upon successful completion of the Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship and achievement of MRTPI status, opportunities may include progression to: Graduate Planner, Planner and more senior positions with the company

Equal Opportunities Statement

Planning & Design Practice is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

Additional Information

• Site visits and occasional travel will be required.
• The role combines workplace experience with academic study through Sheffield Hallam University.
• Time will be protected for apprenticeship learning in line with apprenticeship regulations.

For more information on the practice please visit About Us or get in touch by phone or email. To be considered for interview please provide a cover letter, CV and examples of your written work to: enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk

Applications Close at 23:59 on 19th July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and asked to discuss their experience, and desire to become a Town Planner.