Job Title: Principal Planning Officer
Location: West Midlands based LPA - will confirm council upon application
Contract duration: Rolling 6 months - scope for extensions
Start date: 2/3 weeks time
Rate: £50-55p/h Umbrella
Requirements: Minimum of 4 years PQE - ideally local authority based submitting major applications
Key Responsibilities :
* Manage Major Applications : Lead the assessment and processing of major planning applications, ensuring timely decision-making in accordance with legal and policy requirements.
* Casework and Development Management : Provide professional advice on complex planning applications, including large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
* Policy Implementation and Advice : Offer expert guidance on the interpretation and implementation of planning policies, local development plans, and other relevant planning documents.
* Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with key stakeholders, including developers, consultees, statutory bodies, and the public, to ensure the smooth progress of planning applications.
* Negotiation and Planning Conditions : Lead negotiations on planning applications to secure improvements to proposals and ensure compliance with planning conditions and obligations, including Section 106 agreements.
* Team Leadership and Development : Supervise and mentor junior planning officers, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
* Planning Committee Reports : Prepare reports for planning committee meetings, making recommendations on major applications and representing the council at committee as required.
* Policy Review and Development : Contribute to the development and review of local planning policies, providing expert advice to inform the council’s strategic planning objectives.
* Legal Compliance : Ensure that all planning decisions comply with relevant legislation, planning law, and council procedures.
* Project Management : Lead on specific planning projects or initiatives as directed by senior management, ensuring that targets and deadlines are met.
Key Skills and Experience :
* Chartered Town Planner with membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
* Significant experience in planning, particularly in handling major planning applications and complex development proposals.
* Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system, development management processes, and relevant legislation.
* Proven ability to negotiate effectively with developers, consultees, and stakeholders to secure high-quality development outcomes.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports and present evidence at planning committees.
* Demonstrable experience of managing projects and leading teams within a planning environment.
* Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
* Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound, balanced decisions based on planning principles and legal frameworks.
* A customer-focused approach to service delivery and a commitment to achieving sustainable development outcomes.
Desirable :
* Experience in working within a local authority planning department.
* Knowledge of the local area and its development priorities.
* Experience in using planning software systems and geographical information systems (GIS).
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV through this job advert on Linkedin or for a confidential chat about your next move or the interim market in general feel free to drop me a message, call me on 01489 533093 or email on Lewis.woodford@sartothomas.com.