Principal Town and Country Planner

Job Description

Principal Town & Country Planner

Location: Peterborough
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £50,000

Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Development with Anglian Water

Are you passionate about Town & Country Planning and the role it plays in delivering vital infrastructure? Do you have the expertise to guide complex projects through the planning system while mentoring a growing team? If so, this is your chance to be a key figure in ensuring Anglian Water’s projects are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and sustainably.

We’re looking for a Principal Town & Country Planner (RDO) to join our Enabling Team and provide expert guidance across a range of infrastructure and development projects. This is a unique opportunity to shape the way we approach planning, environmental risk, and stakeholder engagement across one of the UK’s most essential utilities.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Planning and Enabling Manager, you’ll lead the planning function on projects of varying scale and complexity. You’ll work closely with engineering, construction, legal and environmental teams to drive planning applications forward and minimise risk across the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing planning strategies and preparing Town & Country Planning applications.

• Advising on environmental and planning risks at the earliest stages of projects.

• Leading on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening, scoping, and full EIA submissions where required.

• Managing stakeholder engagement, including local planning authorities, statutory consultees and the public.

• Negotiating Section 106 agreements and discharging planning conditions.

• Supporting internal communications and public relations strategies in collaboration with our Customer and Corporate Communications Teams.

• Mentoring junior planners and Enabling Co-ordinators, providing training and expert advice across the business.

• Maintaining awareness of planning legislation and policy, ensuring compliance and promoting continuous improvement.

• Using digital tools to innovate and drive efficiency across the planning lifecycle.

• Representing Anglian Water in planning consultations and providing feedback on Local Plan policies.

• Collaborating across teams to ensure planning supports timely, cost-effective project delivery with minimal environmental impact.

About You

You’re an experienced planner with a deep understanding of the Town & Country Planning system and the ability to manage projects from strategy to submission. You thrive in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment and are confident advising internal stakeholders and external authorities alike.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

✅ A proven track record in Town & Country Planning
✅ A degree in a relevant subject and membership of (or eligibility to join) the RTPI
✅ Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting planning applications and managing the EIA process
✅ Strong communication skills and experience in writing and reviewing detailed technical reports
✅ Proven ability to work independently across multiple projects and meet deadlines
✅ An inclusive, team-focused approach to leadership and mentoring
✅ Familiarity with digital planning tools and experience using GIS (desirable)
✅ Experience working with local planning authorities and understanding of Local Plan policy

Why Join Us?

At Anglian Water, we’re committed to building a sustainable and resilient future. As a Principal Town & Country Planner, you’ll be at the forefront of that vision—shaping how our infrastructure integrates with the communities and environments we serve.

You’ll benefit from:

• Personal private health care

• Life cover – 8x annual salary

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays (with flexibility for religious holidays)

• Flexible working opportunities

• Competitive pension scheme – we double-match your contributions up to 6%

• Bonus scheme and a wide range of lifestyle benefits

• Ongoing training and career development in a values-led organisation

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're driven by strategic thinking and want to influence sustainable infrastructure development across the region, apply today to become Anglian Water’s next Principal Town & Country Planner (RDO).

Closing Date: Friday 18th July