JOIN US AT WHARFE
RURAL PLANNING
Purpose-led planning, meaningful work
We believe the countryside deserves thoughtful change – to grow in a way that keeps it alive, creates opportunity, and secures its future. That belief shapes not just the projects we take on, but the way we work together.
Wharfe Rural Planning is built around people who want to make a difference – planners, surveyors, and specialists from across the development sector who share a drive to help clients succeed and the countryside thrive.
Here, you’ll work on projects that matter: new homes, farm diversification, rural businesses, and developments that keep the countryside working.
You’ll take real responsibility early, with the support of experienced colleagues who want you to learn and grow.
WHO THRIVES HERE?
We look for people who are curious, collaborative, and ready to take ownership. You don’t need a rural or agricultural background – our team brings experience from planning authorities, consultancy, surveying, land agency, architecture, telecoms, and commercial development.
What matters most is attitude: an appetite to solve problems, learn quickly, and do the right thing by our clients, the system, and the countryside.
OUR CULTURE
Work and life overlap naturally here. Flexibility, trust, and accountability are part of how we operate. You’ll have space to think, scope to grow, and the chance to shape projects that make a visible difference.
We’re serious about professional development — whether that means RTPI accreditation, exposure to complex cases, or working alongside senior planners on appeals and policy challenges.
We believe that if you’re ambitious, you should have the opportunity to stretch yourself and be recognised for it.
“Having grown up in Lancashire, the countryside’s always been close to my heart – even if I’m a bit of a townie these days. Working at WRP means I get to escape every day, whether I’m out on site or just enjoying the views on my commute. WRP allows me the flexibility and independence to make my own schedule, and getting out of the office and in front of clients is actively encouraged. Plus you get free eggs!”.
Ellen Macleod – Planner
BENEFITS
WRP CULTURE
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We are different! We don’t just say we are, we actively demonstrate it. We are inclusive, everyone’s ideas and comments are valued. Our MD’s door is always open for a chat or to discuss something. We have a true team spirit and believe in showing appreciation for the contributions everyone makes. We welcome new ideas and look for ways to continuously improve. We encourage and support everyone to achieve their goals and develop personally and professionally.
HOLIDAYS
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25 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays per annum.
CELEBRATION EVENTS
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WRP likes a good get together. We have regular events to celebrate the successes of individuals and the team. We’re also very good at saying thank you too.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT
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The Group recognises that it is important for everyone to have someone to talk to. Be it to mull over an issue, raise a concern, offload, or discuss something greater. With that in mind, where a team member needs further support as well as being able to access counselling via our health insurance/EAP, The Group will provide up extra appointments with a counsellor/CBT practitioner of the team members choice.
Within WRP we also have a number of workplace coaches available.
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
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WRP believes that learning never stops and that as individuals we should strive to reach our full potential. As such we have a schedule of individual and team development that takes place throughout the year.
PROFESSIONAL SUBSCRIPTION / MEMBERSHIP
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WRP will pay for one professional subscription/membership annually per team member.
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE
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Where a team member introduces a potential candidate to WRP and the candidate subsequently takes up a position within WRP. The team member who introduced them will receive one weeks’ additional leave.
PENSION
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WRP contribution of 4% of your qualifying earning.
HEALTH COVER
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WRP provides health cover for you and your family.
LIFE COVER
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WRP has a group life insurance policy. The policy provides a lump sum payment of 4 x the team members salary in the event of their death.
CAREER PROGRESSION
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As a dynamic and growing business, we have lots of opportunities for team members to grow and shape roles within the Organisation. We have an environment that nurtures and supports team members to achieve their career aspirations.
CPD
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WRP will support you with a minimum of 2 paid Continued Professional Development days per annum, alongside our internal development programme.
OCCUPATIONAL SICK PAY / PAID LEAVE
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WRP provides an enhanced sick pay provision, whereby for longer term sickness absence 100% of the team members salary will be paid the first three months of absence, and 50% will be paid the following six months of absence. In certain circumstances this may be extended.
We also have a paid leave provision in place for emergency and compassionate leave.
TEAM REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES
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In the office you’ll find a well-stocked kitchen – fruit, bread, eggs (free range from our own wonderful hens), coffee, tea (various varieties), juice, biscuits etc – which are all provide free of charge.
We also have a shower room at the office, providing everyone with the option to undertake physical activity during their lunch break/working day.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
EARLY RESPONSIBILITY & VARIETY
You’ll run your own projects and contribute to bigger ones.
SUPPORT & LEARNING
Direct mentoring from experienced planners and directors.
FLEXIBILITY
Trust to manage your own time and workload.
IMPACT
Your work will directly shape outcomes for rural communities and landscapes.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Wharfe Rural Planning is a growing practice with a strong focus on delivering high-quality rural planning solutions. We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated people to join our friendly and professional team. Explore our current opportunities below and click on a role to find out more about the position and how to apply.
UPLOAD YOUR CV
You never know what new opportunities might arise. So if you’re interested in joining us please send us your CV and tell us a bit about yourself.
“I actually look forward to Mondays. It makes such a difference working for a family-run professional business that’s right on my doorstep.”
Liz Martin-Bird – Finance Director
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