Deputy Area Planning Manager

5 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• To act as Lead Case Officer for strategic and major planning applications, managing cases from pre\-application stage through to determination and post\-permission (conditions).

• To represent the Council at Planning Committee, appeals, Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries, presenting complex planning matters clearly and professionally.

• To negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), ensuring development proposals secure appropriate infrastructure and policy compliance.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Manage a caseload of strategic and major planning applications, providing high\-quality pre\-application advice and progressing applications through to determination and discharge of conditions.

• Prepare detailed officer reports with clear recommendations in line with local and national planning policy.

• Present applications at Planning Committee and respond to Member queries effectively.

• Prepare written statements for appeals including written representations, Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries.

• Represent the Council at appeal proceedings, presenting evidence and defending decisions where required.

• Negotiate Section 106 agreements to secure planning obligations in line with policy requirements.

• Apply and advise on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) regulations.

• Assess and interpret financial viability appraisals to inform negotiations on planning obligations.

• Liaise with internal departments, statutory consultees, developers, agents and members of the public.

• Provide professional planning advice to Members and senior officers.

• Ensure compliance with national legislation, the Local Plan and supplementary planning documents.

Skills/Experience:

• Significant experience in development management within a local authority setting.

• Proven experience handling strategic and major planning applications.

• Experience presenting reports at Planning Committee.

• Experience preparing and defending appeals, including Public Inquiries and Informal Hearings.

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance (Town and Country Planning Act, NPPF, etc.).

• Demonstrable experience negotiating Section 106 agreements and applying CIL regulations.

• Experience reviewing financial viability assessments.

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to interpret complex planning policy and present it clearly to varied audiences.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 17/02/2026 @12:00.

• 36 hours per week (09:00 – 17:00).

• Based at London Borough of Sutton.

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