Planner

Planner - Principal Planner (Career Grade) - £25.00 per hour
Location: Bexley
Contract: Initial 3+ months
Salary: £25.00 per hour

The Role

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a local authority in Bexley, for a Planner - Principal Planner to join their Development Management team. This is a career-grade role, offering progression opportunities based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

You will assess and process planning applications, contribute to appeals, and support planning committees. The role requires delivering accurate advice, liaising with stakeholders, and supporting policy development. At the Principal Planner level, you will manage more complex applications and may lead on appeals and committee presentations.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a range of planning applications, appeals, and pre-application enquiries.

• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, colleagues, Members, and the public.

• Prepare reports and represent the Council in appeals, hearings, and inquiries.

• Support and present at planning committees as needed.

• Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders.

• Monitor and report on planning performance indicators.

• Contribute to service improvements and corporate projects.

About You
You will have a degree in a relevant subject and a qualification in town planning. Experience in development management and RTPI membership (Licentiate or Full) are desirable. You will have excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied and complex caseload with minimal supervision.

Additionally, you will bring:

• Strong understanding of planning legislation and policy.

• Experience preparing reports and defending planning decisions at appeal.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Collaborative approach and professional judgement in complex scenarios.

• A commitment to continuous improvement, customer service, and public sector values.