6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Principal Planner is responsible for the provision of statutory planning services, including the processing and determination of planning applications. The role involves providing high-level pre-application advice to applicants and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with local and national planning policies, and contributing to the strategic development objectives of the council/organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the processing of complex planning applications, ensuring decisions are made in accordance with statutory requirements and planning policies.
  
• Provide expert pre-application advice to developers, architects, and members of the public, promoting sustainable and compliant development proposals.
  
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations for decision-making bodies, including planning committees or senior management.
  
• Ensure statutory consultation requirements are met and liaise effectively with internal departments and external agencies.
  
• Monitor and interpret relevant planning legislation, guidance, and policy changes, applying these to day-to-day decision-making.
  
• Mentor and support junior planning staff, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing.
  
• Represent the organization in planning-related meetings, public consultations, and hearings.
  

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline.
  
• Membership of a recognized professional planning body (e.g., RTPI or equivalent).
  
• Extensive experience in statutory planning and application determination, ideally in a local government or consultancy setting.
  
• Strong knowledge of relevant planning legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice and prepare high-quality planning reports.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders.
  
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
  
• Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities effectively.
  
• Leadership skills, with experience supervising and mentoring staff.
  
• Attention to detail and high standard of written documentation.
  

• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• 35 Hours Per week