Planning Manager

A well-established residential developer is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join their regional land and planning team in Leeds. This is a key hire supporting an ambitious growth strategy across the Yorkshire region, taking sites through the planning process from initial appraisal to detailed consent and implementation.

You'll work closely with the Land, Technical, and Commercial teams to secure planning permissions that protect and enhance scheme viability, while building strong relationships with local planning authorities, consultants, and stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities

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• Manage a portfolio of sites through all stages of the planning process, from pre-application through to discharge of conditions
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• Prepare, coordinate, and submit outline, full, and reserved matters planning applications
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• Instruct, brief, and manage external consultant teams (planning, technical, environmental, transport, ecology, etc.)
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• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Local Planning Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, and statutory consultees
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• Negotiate planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and CIL matters to protect scheme viability
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• Provide planning input and risk analysis to support land acquisitions and site appraisals
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• Monitor changes in national and local planning policy, and assess implications for the business and live sites
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• Represent the company at public consultations, planning committees, and community engagement events
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• Work collaboratively with internal Land, Technical, Commercial, and Construction teams to ensure smooth handover of consented sites
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• Track and report on planning progress, risks, and timescales to senior management
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• Support appeals and public inquiries where required, working alongside planning counsel and consultants
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Experience & Skills Required

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• Proven track record as a Planning Manager (or senior Planner ready to step up) within a housebuilder, developer, or planning consultancy
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• Strong working knowledge of the planning system, NPPF, and Local Plan policy across the Yorkshire region
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• Experience managing planning applications from submission through to determination and discharge of conditions
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• Confident negotiating with Local Planning Authorities and managing S106/CIL discussions
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• Degree in Town Planning, or a related discipline (RTPI membership desirable but not essential)
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• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, comfortable presenting to committees and community groups
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• Commercially minded, with an understanding of scheme viability and how planning decisions affect development appraisals
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• Highly organised, able to manage multiple sites and competing deadlines simultaneously
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• Full UK driving licence, with flexibility to travel to sites across the region
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