Planning Officer

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes.

We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Developer Services | Exeter OR Bristol | Hybrid Working

Help shape sustainable growth across the South West

Are you an experienced planning professional looking for an opportunity to influence development and infrastructure delivery across one of the UK's most diverse regions?

South West Water is seeking a Planning Officer to join our Pre-Development Team, playing a key role in supporting sustainable growth and ensuring new development is aligned with the capacity and strategic objectives of our water and wastewater networks. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your planning expertise within a unique infrastructure environment, working on a wide range of residential, commercial and strategic development proposals across the South West.

As a Planning Officer, you'll work closely with local planning authorities, developers, consultants and internal technical specialists, providing planning advice and representing South West Water's interests within the planning process.

Why this role is different

Unlike traditional planning roles in local government or consultancy, this position provides the opportunity to influence development from a critical infrastructure perspective.

You’ll work at the intersection of planning, growth and infrastructure delivery, helping to ensure communities can develop sustainably while protecting vital water and wastewater assets. The role offers exposure to strategic planning matters, major development schemes, local plan consultations and developer engagement across a large and diverse geographical area.

What you'll be doing:

• Reviewing planning applications and development proposals, assessing potential impacts on water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Preparing representations and consultation responses on behalf of South West Water.
• Providing planning advice to internal and external stakeholders on development and infrastructure matters.
• Engaging with local planning authorities, developers, landowners, consultants and customers.
• Supporting pre-application discussions and strategic development proposals.
• Monitoring and reviewing emerging planning policy, local plans and development frameworks.
• Representing South West Water at planning meetings, stakeholder forums and consultations where required.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Developer Services, Asset Protection, Growth and Network Planning teams.
• Supporting the delivery of sustainable growth through effective planning and infrastructure coordination.

What we're looking for:

We're looking for an experienced planning professional who can confidently manage a varied caseload and build effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience within a planning environment, ideally within local government, consultancy, utilities or infrastructure sectors.
• Good understanding of the UK planning system, development management and planning policy.
• Experience reviewing planning applications and preparing professional planning responses or advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Desirable

• RTPI membership or working towards Chartered status.
• Experience of infrastructure planning, utilities, development promotion or growth strategies.
• Knowledge of planning legislation, local plan preparation or major development projects.
• Experience engaging with developers, statutory consultees and planning authorities.

Why join us?

Join South West Water and play a key role in shaping sustainable development across the South West. You'll have the opportunity to work on significant growth and infrastructure projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to decisions that directly support communities, economic growth and environmental resilience.

In return, we offer:

• Hybrid working with regular visibility in our Exeter or Bristol office
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive contributory pension
• Share-save scheme
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Employee assistance programme
• Group discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing professional development and support towards RTPI membership

Closing Date: 17th September 2026

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way.

Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

• Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
• Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
• Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

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