We're looking for a Planning & Statutory Consent Advisor to provide specialist planning and consenting support across electricity network infrastructure projects. You'll lead and coordinate applications and approvals including Section 37 consents (Electricity Act 1989), planning permissions, permitted development assessments and associated statutory consents needed for transmission and distribution schemes.
Working closely with development managers, engineers, land/wayleave teams, environmental specialists, local authorities and statutory consultees, you'll help secure approvals that enable projects to be delivered safely, efficiently and within programme. In a Clancy/SHEPD environment, this role sits within the Consents & Stakeholder Engagement function and acts as the internal planning SME alongside wayleave and community liaison teams.
Key responsibilities
- Lead preparation and submission of Section 37 applications and supporting documentation
- Coordinate planning applications for substations, overhead lines, underground cables and associated works
- Advise project teams on planning strategy, constraints, consenting risk and approval requirements
- Manage planning conditions and consent obligations through delivery; maintain trackers and consent schedules
- Liaise with Scottish Ministers/regulators and manage consultee responses / requests for further information
- Act as the principal planning contact for stakeholders including:
- Local Planning Authorities, Scottish Government, NatureScot, SEPA, Historic Environment Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, National Park Authorities, Community Councils
- Arrange/attend pre-app discussions and planning meetings; support consultation events and public exhibitions
- Coordinate with environmental specialists/consultants on environmental documentation and commitments
- Build and maintain consent programmes; provide progress reporting and risk mitigation updates
Governance & compliance focus
Ensure compliance and best practice across relevant frameworks, including:
- Electricity Act 1989
- Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
- Planning (Scotland) Act 2019
- EIA Regulations
- National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Local Development Plans
What we're looking for
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Town Planning, Environmental Management, Land Management, Environmental Science or similar
- Experience planning/consenting infrastructure projects in Scotland
- Experience dealing with Scottish planning authorities
- Understanding of Section 37 process and requirements
- Experience managing multiple consent applications at once
- Confident liaising with statutory consultees and reviewing technical/environmental reports
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and report-writing skills
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Electricity distribution or transmission sector experience (SSEN / SHEPD / SHET beneficial)
- EIA projects (screening/scoping and associated coordination)
- Public consultation management
- Planning appeal, inquiry, hearing or public inquiry support experience
