Principal Planning Consultant - Cambridge

Residential, Science Parks & Data Centre PlanningStrategy

An outstanding opportunity has arisen with one of the most respected planning consultancies in the Cambridge region for a Principal Planning Consultant to join a growing team advising on residential and innovation-led development.

This business has an impressive client base, advising developers, investors and operators on major residential schemes alongside science park expansion, research campus development and data centre planning strategy. The work is varied, fast-moving and often involves complex policy interpretation, stakeholder management and high-level planning strategy.

As Principal Planning Consultant, you will lead complex projects and act as a trusted planning advisor to clients.

• Managing major residential planning applications and strategic housing schemes
• Advising on science park and innovation campus planning projects
• Drafting robust Planning Statements and supporting evidence documentation
• Promoting sites through Local Plan processes and supporting examination work
• Leading appeal strategies, including hearing and inquiry preparation
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary consultants (transport, heritage, sustainability, EIA, etc.)
• Acting as lead client contact, ensuring delivery quality and client satisfaction
• Mentoring junior planners and supporting team technical development

This is a role for a planner who enjoys both technical challenge and commercial exposure.

• MRTPI qualified (or extremely close to completion)
• Appeal and Local Plan experience highly desirable
• Strong written and analytical skills
• Confident communicator with a commercial mindset

A superb opportunity for an ambitious planner looking to step into a strategic role within one of the UK's most exciting development markets.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence.