Town & Country Planning Manager - UK Livestock Producer

If you're an experienced Town Planner who's spent your career advising on developments, you'll know that planning can sometimes feel a long way removed from the developments themselves.

Perhaps you're looking for a role where your influence extends beyond writing reports and making recommendations.

This role will give you exactly that.

As Town and Country Planning Manager, you'll be part of a business that's actively investing, growing and creating new opportunities across its agricultural and property interests.

You'll work closely with the people driving those plans, helping to assess opportunities, overcome challenges and steer projects through the planning process.

This isn't a role where you'll simply comment on applications or advise clients from a distance. You'll be involved from the outset, helping shape developments and playing a key part in bringing them forward.

For an experienced planner, particularly somebody coming from consultancy or local authority background, it's an opportunity to apply your expertise in a commercial environment where you can see the direct impact of your work every day.

Key responsibilities will include:

Preparing, managing and submitting planning applications for livestock, agricultural and commercial developments, helping bring forward the sites, facilities and infrastructure needed to support future growth.

Advising colleagues on planning strategy, site viability and development opportunities, giving the business the confidence to invest in the right projects and avoid costly dead ends.

Coordinating specialist consultants across ecology, environmental impact, transport, drainage and engineering, bringing together the expertise needed to convert opportunities into deliverable projects. 

Building productive relationships with Local Planning Authorities, the Environment Agency, Natural England and other stakeholders, helping identify challenges early and maintain momentum throughout the planning process.

Managing responses to objections, consultations and planning conditions, ensuring applications are robust, well-supported and positioned for the best possible outcome. 

Keeping abreast of planning policy, environmental legislation and sector developments, enabling the business to anticipate change, manage risk and spot emerging opportunities. 

Providing regular updates on planning activity and project progress, leading to clear visibility of the development pipeline and supporting informed investment decisions. 

About you:

We're interested in hearing from experienced planners or rural surveyors who enjoy working in the commercial world and want to see the direct impact of their work on business growth and development.

You'll ideally have:

Strong experience managing rural, agricultural or countryside planning applications. 

A solid understanding of the UK planning system, agricultural development and environmental considerations. 

MRTPI status would be an advantage but not essential. 

Experience handling complex or potentially sensitive planning projects. 

Excellent communication, report writing and stakeholder management skills.

Strong organisational and project management capability. 

A full UK driving licence.

What should you expect?

Salary aligned with your skills and experience, and in-line with the commercial sector.

Performance bonus (<20%) and car allowance

Benefits package 

Why consider this opportunity?

This role would suit an established planner currently working within private practice or local government who is looking to move into a commercially focused position within a major business operating across the agricultural and food sectors. [Town and C...r Jul 2026 | Word]

You'll gain exposure to large-scale projects, work closely with decision-makers and play a central role in delivering developments that support long-term business growth.

Recruitment Contact

Recruitment for this role is being led by Jon. If you would like to learn more about this position, ask any questions, or explore whether the opportunity could be the right fit for you, please get in touch for an informal and confidential chat.

Jon Handley
Head of Recruitment Delivery
jon.handley@delacyexecutive.co.uk
01885 485522

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