Job Description

Senior Town Planner - Barn Conversions & Rural Development
Location: Stamford (Hybrid working available)
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum (DOE) + bonus + benefits
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

We are working with a well-established planning consultancy based in Stamford, known for its expertise in rural planning and agricultural-to-residential conversions. The team specialises in unlocking the potential of agricultural land and buildings-particularly through Class Q permitted development and full applications for barn conversions.

With a growing pipeline of rural residential schemes across the country, they are now looking to appoint a Senior Town Planner to help lead and deliver these projects with confidence and precision.

The Role

This is a client-facing, delivery-focused role. You will be responsible for managing a wide range of planning applications and prior approvals for the conversion of barns and agricultural structures into high-quality residential dwellings.

Key responsibilities include:

Preparing and submitting Class Q prior approval applications and associated supporting documents.

Advising clients on planning strategy, site potential, and policy implications for rural development.

Managing full planning applications for schemes that fall outside permitted development rights.

Conducting site visits, assessing constraints and opportunities, and identifying any legal or planning risks.

Preparing robust planning statements, liaising with local authorities, and monitoring application progress.

Supporting appeals where necessary, including the drafting of appeal statements and coordination with legal teams or consultants.

About You

MRTPI qualified (or working towards) with a strong track record in rural and residential planning.

Solid working knowledge of Class Q legislation, permitted development rights, and rural housing policy.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a detail-oriented approach to planning submissions.

Comfortable managing clients, consultants, and deadlines across multiple active projects.

Previous consultancy experience is desirable, though candidates from local authority backgrounds with relevant rural experience are also encouraged to apply.

Why Join?

Be part of a niche planning practice that genuinely leads in the field of barn conversions and rural development.

Work alongside a supportive and experienced team that values planning expertise and independent thinking.

Flexible working model with a mix of office and remote work.

Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and clear pathway for career progression.

To apply or find out more, please contact Sofia at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email sofia.conte