Graduate Town Planner / Town Planner
| Posting date: | 19 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,000.0 to £40,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £35,000 - £40,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 March 2026 |
| Location: | Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1PG |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4771214_1771514198 |
Summary
Role: Graduate Town Planner
Location: BedfordshireHybrid: (office-based for first month, then 3 days office / 2 days home)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Experience Required: Graduate - 2 years
About the RoleThis is an excellent opportunity for a Graduate Town Planner or someone at the early stages of their career to take responsibility for end‑to‑end delivery, with full support from Senior Planners and a buddy system. You will manage the planning process for multiple large‑scale projects from inception to decision, working with in‑house design, external architects and sub‑consultants. You'll coordinate inputs, produce/sign‑off planning reports, and represent the company in appropriate external forums. Their project portfolio is truly unique, centred on delivering high‑quality bereavement and community infrastructure - meaningful work with tangible impact.
Who They're Looking For
✔ Graduate Planner or up to 2 years' experience ✔ Full UK driving license, with willingness to travel to site visits across the UK
✔ Bright, energetic, sociable personality
✔ Someone who can work independently and manage their time
✔ Commercially minded and client‑focused
✔ Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for chartered status, preferable
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the planning process for multiple large-scale projects, ensuring quality deliverables and on‑time milestones.
- Prepare, review and sign off planning reports and supporting documents.
- Provide planning advice to clients to navigate regulatory matters.
- Represent the company at relevant planning forums, including public consultations, stakeholder events and meetings with authorities (as appropriate to role level).
- Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams (internal and external) to deliver cohesive submissions.
- Lead and oversee planning applications end‑to‑end (pre‑app, submission, post‑decision conditions).
- Contribute to policy documents and feasibility studies to inform new/existing projects.
- Use GIS/tools for site analysis and evidence-based recommendations.
- Monitor and report on application/appeal status; ensure timely actions across RIBA Stages 1-6.
Projects:
Specialise in Development Management, delivering meaningful and sensitive community projects such as:
- Parish extensions
- Crematorium developments
- Wider community and cemetery infrastructure
You'll be at the heart of creating beautiful, accessible spaces for communities - a genuinely rewarding area of planning.
Why Join This Company?
- Hybrid work - first month in office, then 3 in / 2 home
- Beautiful working environment - national park location, manor‑house offices
- Strong team culture - sociable, inclusive, open‑plan offices
- Growth - expanding team with exciting new projects
- Structured support - weekly project meetings, a buddy system, close collaboration with the Planning Manager
- Benefits:
- Annual 2% cost‑of‑living salary increase
- Christmas bonus
- Summer team event & formal Christmas function
- On‑site parking
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply directly via this advert, or contact Ollie Jarvis for a further discussion on 07824 862 893.
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