6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: 3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead on the assessment and determination of the borough's most complex, high-profile and strategically significant planning applications, appeals and planning matters. The postholder will provide expert professional planning advice, ensure robust and defensible decision-making, represent the Council in planning proceedings, and support the management and development of planning staff. The role will contribute to delivering a high-quality, customer-focused planning service that supports sustainable growth, corporate priorities, and community objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Applications and Decision Making

• Manage a varied caseload of complex and major planning applications, including strategic developments and regeneration schemes.
  
• Prepare comprehensive, accurate and well-reasoned reports with clear recommendations for Planning Committee or delegated decisions.
  
• Exercise delegated authority to determine planning applications in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
  
• Ensure all planning decisions are legally compliant, robust, defensible, and consistent with local, regional and national planning policies.
  

Planning Advice and Development Management

• Provide specialist planning advice to officers, Councillors, applicants, developers, consultees and members of the public.
  
• Lead pre-application discussions and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) for major developments.
  
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary input from internal departments and external stakeholders to facilitate high-quality development outcomes.
  
• Advise on the planning implications of development proposals, including infrastructure, sustainability, environmental and educational requirements.
  

Appeals, Enforcement and Legal Matters

• Lead on planning appeals and represent the Council at hearings, public inquiries and court proceedings.
  
• Prepare and present expert evidence on behalf of the Council.
  
• Support Planning Enforcement Officers in identifying breaches of planning control and preparing enforcement notices.
  
• Manage and oversee complex legal agreements, including Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations, ensuring enforceability and effective delivery.
  

Leadership and Staff Management

• Support the Planning Management Team in delivering an efficient, customer-focused service.
  
• Provide professional guidance, mentoring and supervision to junior planning staff.
  
• Assist in allocating work and monitoring performance to ensure service objectives and deadlines are achieved.
  
• Promote continuous improvement, innovation and best practice within the planning service.
  

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with Councillors, statutory consultees, developers, community groups and other stakeholders.
  
• Attend and represent the Assistant Director of Planning at meetings, committees and public events where required.
  
• Provide clear and professional advice to elected Members on planning matters.
  

Service Improvement and Corporate Contribution

• Contribute to achieving service performance indicators and corporate objectives.
  
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice.
  
• Commission and manage external consultants where required, ensuring value for money and quality outcomes.
  
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
  

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in Development Management within a local authority or comparable planning environment.
  
• Proven experience of handling major, complex and high-profile planning applications.
  
• Experience of preparing reports for Planning Committees and delegated decision-making.
  
• Experience of managing planning appeals, including public inquiries and hearings.
  
• Experience of negotiating Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations.
  
• Experience of providing professional planning advice to senior stakeholders, elected Members and developers.
  
• Experience of supervising, mentoring or managing planning staff.
  
• Experience of working effectively under pressure and managing competing priorities.
  

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
  
• Experience of representing a local authority at court proceedings.
  
• Experience of managing external consultants and professional advisers.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
  
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible for membership.
  
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
  

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related field.
  
• Management or leadership qualification.
  

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy and procedures.
  
• Strong understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act and associated regulations.
  
• Knowledge of planning enforcement processes and appeals procedures.
  
• Understanding of local government decision-making processes.
  
• Knowledge of planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
  
• Awareness of current planning issues, national policy frameworks and emerging best practice.
  

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently.
  
• Strong report writing and analytical skills.
  
• Ability to present and defend the Council's position at Committee, appeal, inquiry and court proceedings.
  
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory deadlines.
  
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
• Ability to lead, mentor and support colleagues.
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
  
• Ability to interpret technical plans, drawings and complex supporting documents.
  
• Proactive, solution-focused and customer-oriented approach.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS, United Kingdom.
  
• Working Pattern: Hybrid working arrangement with a requirement to attend the office 1 day per week, alongside attendance at Planning Committees, site visits, public inquiries, hearings and stakeholder meetings as required.
  
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Rate: £32.68 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
  
• Contract Type: Interim/Contract opportunity.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

·         Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged