I am acting for firm which is growing the consenting (i.e. NSIPs, DCO, TWAO etc) and planning team and so looking to ensure it is well supported by strong, ambitious associates at all levels.
At the more junior end a general planning background will suffice as long as you are willing and interested in getting into NSIP-type work which has a strong focus on infrastructure, transport (save probably for Roads) and renewables. More qualified associates will at least have experience on DCOs (whether promoting or opposing) and most likely coming from the smaller handful of firms that have the expertise and profile in this area.
My exposure to the team indicates that you will find; affable and personable partners, ambitious leadership that wants to grow this area, all the necessary panel appointments (ccs etc, but also plenty of exposure to higher paying private sector clients), and infrastructure and other practice areas that can support these big scale projects and sector expertise and profile.
At whatever level you join, there is an expectation that you will be a fundamental part of helping to grow and develop the department as it seeks to win more market share.
For more details, and in absolute confidence, please contact Andy Wintle on 07802 448 436.