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 licenceDesirable
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