skip to Main Content

Planning Consultant Job Description

What does a Planning Consultant do?

A Planning Consultant is responsible for providing expert advice and guidance to clients regarding land use and development. Their main duties include analyzing proposals, conducting research on planning policies and regulations, and preparing reports and recommendations. They work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that development projects are in compliance with planning regulations and policies. Additionally, they might be involved in public consultation, negotiating with developers, and preparing planning applications and appeals. Overall, their role is to help clients navigate through complex planning regulations to achieve their development goals.

Our Planning Consultant job description includes the Planning Consultant responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Planning Consultant Example


Our Job Advertising Packages

Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!

 StarterPremiumCorporateNationalBrandedResourcer
Reed
Indeed Sponsored
Monster
Google Jobs
Glassdoor
LinkedIn Jobs
Totaljobs
Jobsite
Guardian Jobs
CV-Library
Industry boards
CV Targeting*
many more
£99£199£329£349£399£599
Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services
CV Filtering
Video Interviewing
Interview Scheduling
£799£799£929£949£999£1199

If you need an example job description for a Planning Consultant download the one below, alternatively we have many other Construction job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Planning Consultant do?

A Planning Consultant is responsible for developing and maintaining plans for land use and urban development. They work closely with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders to support the delivery of efficient and effective development projects. The role involves researching and analysing data, producing reports, preparing presentations, and making recommendations on planning applications and policy. Planning Consultants also help to shape future development, liaise with stakeholders, and provide advice on legal and regulatory matters. They must be able to analyse complex situations, assess risk, and develop strategies to achieve desired outcomes.

Planning Consultant Role Purpose

The purpose of a Planning Consultant in the UK is to provide advice and expertise to clients on strategic planning issues. They help clients to manage land, property, and development projects, as well as advising on the legal, environmental, and economic factors that affect the successful completion of these projects. They work closely with local authorities, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that planning applications are made in line with regulations, as well as helping clients to resolve any disputes or challenges they may face. Planning Consultants also provide advice on planning appeals, zoning regulations, and other planning matters.

Planning Consultant Role

A Planning Consultant is responsible for advising clients on the best land use options for their specific needs, as well as providing expertise in urban, regional and environmental planning. They must assess and interpret data, review existing plans and regulations, and provide expert advice on the most suitable options.

Planning Consultant Duties

  • Provide advice and guidance on planning matters
  • Carry out research and investigations into planning applications
  • Prepare reports, statements and presentations
  • Liaise with public and private sector stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues

Planning Consultant Requirements

  • A degree in town planning, urban design, urban geography or related discipline
  • At least 3 years of experience in a planning consultancy
  • Strong understanding of planning legislation and policy
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of GIS and AutoCAD software

Planning Consultant Skills

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Research
  • Project Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Strategic Planning

Planning Consultant Personal Traits

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Good problem solving and analytical skills
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

How to write a Planning Consultant Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Planning Consultant Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Planning Consultant Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Planning Consultant Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Planning Consultant

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

Back To Top