Planning Team Leader / Principal Planning Officer – 6-Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Lead a Development Management team, managing workloads, performance, and service quality.
  


• Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority.
  


• Draft and approve reports for complex and contentious planning applications.
  


• Review and authorize reports prepared by other team members.
  


• Offer technical advice and support to planning officers.
  


• Conduct negotiations with applicants, developers, housing associations, agents, and consultees.
  


• Organize and preside over planning screening meetings.
  


• Provide guidance on Section 106 Agreements and planning obligations.
  


• Represent the Chief Planner at Planning Committee meetings.
  


• Present planning recommendations and counsel elected Members on planning issues.
  


• Serve as an expert witness at Planning Appeals, Hearings, Public Inquiries, and court proceedings as needed.
  


• Apply and interpret planning legislation, national policy, and local planning guidance.
  


• Conduct site visits related to development proposals.
  


• Address correspondence and inquiries from Members, residents, stakeholders, and developers.
  


• Contribute to service enhancement, performance management, and continuous improvement efforts.
  

Essential

• MRTPI Membership or eligibility for membership.
  


• Extensive experience in Development Management within a Local Authority planning setting.
  


• Proven experience in managing staff within a Planning Service.
  


• Proficiency in handling complex and major planning applications.
  


• Experience working in a target-driven environment and adhering to statutory deadlines.
  


• Competence in preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations.
  


• Experience in preparing and presenting evidence at planning appeals and public inquiries.
  


• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management procedures.
  


• Exceptional report writing and communication skills.
  


• Strong leadership, organizational, and team management abilities.
  


• Effective negotiation skills with developers, consultants, elected members, and stakeholders.
  

Desirable

• Experience at the level of Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, or Planning Manager.
  


• Experience in managing Section 106 negotiations.
  


• Experience representing a local authority at major planning inquiries.
  


• Previous management experience within a Local Authority.
  

What's on Offer?

• £55.73 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• 6-Month Contract
  


• Location: Bromley, Kent
  


• Hybrid Working – 2 Office Days Per Week
  


• Planning Committee Attendance Required
  


• Bi-weekly Pay
  


• Opportunity to lead a Development Management team in a bustling London Borough.
  


• A diverse role that combines leadership, case management, committee work, and strategic planning.
  


• An excellent opportunity for experienced Planning Managers, Team Leaders, Principal Planning Officers, or Senior Development Management Professionals.