Average Principal Planner salary in the UK

Principal Planner Newcastle upon Tyne Penguin Recruitment is excited to partner with a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in search of a Principal Planner to join their expanding planning team in Newcastle. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to lead complex planning projects, manage and develop a growing team, and play a key role in shaping and expanding the planning services across the business. As a Principal Planner, you will take ownership of major commissions from early strategy through to planning consent, acting as the senior planning lead for clients and stakeholders. You will contribute to business development, resourcing, and quality assurance, while helping to drive growth within the planning team. The role offers exposure to an exciting and diverse portfolio including residential developments, environmental and marine projects, commercial and industrial schemes, renewables and energy infrastructure, major infrastructure and consenting, and stakeholder engagement. Although based in Newcastle, the team supports projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside a strong local client base. Key Responsibilities Lead planning strategy and delivery on major and complex projects Manage and mentor junior planners, supporting team performance Oversee and coordinate a wide range of planning and consenting submissions Act as senior planning point of contact for clients Lead stakeholder engagement with LPAs, statutory consultees, communities, and political stakeholders Manage project budgets, programmes, and governance Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions Collaborate with internal engineering, transport, environmental, and design teams to deliver integrated outcomes As Principal Planner, you will ensure projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest technical standards and client satisfaction. You will be a visible leader within the planning team, helping to foster a collaborative culture and support professional development. About YouEssential: Proven track record leading major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to determination Strong client management experience Demonstrable people leadership (mentoring, line management, or leading teams/programmes) Degree in Town Planning or related discipline MRTPI Chartered (or operating at Chartered level with a clear route to completion) Strong understanding of planning policy, development management, and the wider regulatory environment Confident written and verbal communication skills Desirable: Experience or exposure to EIA projects Commercial awareness and experience managing fees and budgets An established professional network This Principal Planner role offers a senior leadership position with real autonomy and no ceiling on progression. You will work on high-profile, technically diverse projects while enjoying flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, pension, private healthcare, and professional subscriptions. The consultancy provides structured CPD and fosters a culture focused on quality, integrity, and sustainable outcomes. For further details or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.

Job Title: Senior / Principal Planner Location: Leeds Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading, fast-growing planning consultancy in the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner to join their expanding Leeds team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take the next step in their career within a well-established, multi-disciplinary consultancy that has seen significant growth across the UK in recent years. The Role You will join a collaborative planning team delivering strategic planning projects, with a strong focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. The role offers exposure to a wide range of schemes and the chance to work closely with in-house specialists in development economics, design, heritage and masterplanning. This position would suit either: An experienced Planner ready to step up and help lead major projects, orA Senior Planner looking to broaden their experience and influence regional growth. Key Responsibilities Advising on the development potential of land and buildingsAssisting in the preparation and management of planning applications and appealsProviding planning policy advice and undertaking researchDrafting representations to Local Plan consultations and ExaminationsSupporting the identification and promotion of land opportunitiesWorking collaboratively with clients, local authorities and external consultantsSupporting business development and client relationship managementInvolvement in Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations where required About You A relevant Planning qualificationRTPI membership (or working towards it)Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management processExcellent written skills with high attention to detailConfident communicator with a professional, approachable mannerProactive, enthusiastic and a strong team player What's on Offer Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits packagePrivate medical cover and payment of relevant professional subscriptionsHybrid and agile working with flexibility around working patternsOpportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and clientsClear scope for career progression within a growing regional teamA supportive culture built on trust, autonomy and collaboration This consultancy is now recognised as a top 20 UK planning consultancy, with over 50 planners nationwide, and continues to invest in regional growth across the North. Interested?The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on or

Job Title: Senior / Principal PlannerLocation: Leeds Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading, fast-growing planning consultancy in the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner to join their expanding Leeds team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take the next step in their career within a well-established, multi-disciplinary consultancy that has seen significant growth across the UK in recent years. The Role You will join a collaborative planning team delivering strategic planning projects, with a strong focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. The role offers exposure to a wide range of schemes and the chance to work closely with in-house specialists in development economics, design, heritage and masterplanning. This position would suit either: An experienced Planner ready to step up and help lead major projects, orA Senior Planner looking to broaden their experience and influence regional growth. Key Responsibilities Advising on the development potential of land and buildingsAssisting in the preparation and management of planning applications and appealsProviding planning policy advice and undertaking researchDrafting representations to Local Plan consultations and ExaminationsSupporting the identification and promotion of land opportunitiesWorking collaboratively with clients, local authorities and external consultantsSupporting business development and client relationship managementInvolvement in Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations where required About You A relevant Planning qualificationRTPI membership (or working towards it)Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management processExcellent written skills with high attention to detailConfident communicator with a professional, approachable mannerProactive, enthusiastic and a strong team player What's on Offer Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits packagePrivate medical cover and payment of relevant professional subscriptionsHybrid and agile working with flexibility around working patternsOpportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and clientsClear scope for career progression within a growing regional teamA supportive culture built on trust, autonomy and collaboration This consultancy is now recognised as a top 20 UK planning consultancy, with over 50 planners nationwide, and continues to invest in regional growth across the North. Interested? If you are interested in this role, contact Joel Bland Penguin Recruitment.