Housing, Planning & Regeneration

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 boroughs 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 Councils 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 Councils 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