Associate / Senior Associate – Planning – Exeter

Overview

In this role, you will support a leading planning and environmental practice in Exeter, handling complex planning and infrastructure matters for developers, landowners, energy players, and public sector clients. You will work across planning, real estate, energy, and corporate teams to deliver development projects and consent processes. The role offers high client exposure, collaborative culture, and clear progression. Your impact includes shaping planning outcomes and supporting major infrastructure initiatives in a respected, growth-oriented firm.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• bonus structure
• flexible working arrangements
• comprehensive benefits package

Responsibilities

• Advise on complex planning and development matters
• Support Development Consent Orders and infrastructure consenting processes
• Handle planning applications, appeals and development delivery work
• Negotiate planning-related agreements including Section 106 and highways agreements
• Provide planning input on real estate, energy and corporate transactions
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to business development
• Collaborate with colleagues across property, infrastructure and energy teams

Key requirements

• Around 3-6 years’ PQE (or relevant experience)
• Strong planning law experience in private practice
• Experience advising on infrastructure, regeneration or development projects
• Solid understanding of Town and Country Planning matters
• Excellent drafting and communication skills
• Commercial mindset with practical problem-solving ability
• Ability to manage client relationships and work collaboratively in a team
• Experience in energy, transport, utilities or infrastructure sectors advantageous

• communication
• teamwork
• business development
• planning law
• Development Consent Orders
• planning applications and appeals

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