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
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Manage a varied caseload of complex and major planning applications, including strategic developments and regeneration schemes.
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Prepare comprehensive, accurate and well-reasoned reports with clear recommendations for Planning Committee or delegated decisions.
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Exercise delegated authority to determine planning applications in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
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Ensure all planning decisions are legally compliant, robust, defensible, and consistent with local, regional and national planning policies.
Planning Advice and Development Management
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Provide specialist planning advice to officers, Councillors, applicants, developers, consultees and members of the public.
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Lead pre-application discussions and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) for major developments.
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Coordinate multi-disciplinary input from internal departments and external stakeholders to facilitate high-quality development outcomes.
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Advise on the planning implications of development proposals, including infrastructure, sustainability, environmental and educational requirements.
Appeals, Enforcement and Legal Matters
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Lead on planning appeals and represent the Council at hearings, public inquiries and court proceedings.
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Prepare and present expert evidence on behalf of the Council.
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Support Planning Enforcement Officers in identifying breaches of planning control and preparing enforcement notices.
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Manage and oversee complex legal agreements, including Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations, ensuring enforceability and effective delivery.
Leadership and Staff Management
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Support the Planning Management Team in delivering an efficient, customer-focused service.
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Provide professional guidance, mentoring and supervision to junior planning staff.
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Assist in allocating work and monitoring performance to ensure service objectives and deadlines are achieved.
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Promote continuous improvement, innovation and best practice within the planning service.
Stakeholder Management
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Develop and maintain effective relationships with Councillors, statutory consultees, developers, community groups and other stakeholders.
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Attend and represent the Assistant Director of Planning at meetings, committees and public events where required.
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Provide clear and professional advice to elected Members on planning matters.
Service Improvement and Corporate Contribution
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Contribute to achieving service performance indicators and corporate objectives.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice.
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Commission and manage external consultants where required, ensuring value for money and quality outcomes.
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Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Essential Experience
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Significant experience in Development Management within a local authority or comparable planning environment.
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Proven experience of handling major, complex and high-profile planning applications.
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Experience of preparing reports for Planning Committees and delegated decision-making.
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Experience of managing planning appeals, including public inquiries and hearings.
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Experience of negotiating Section 106 Agreements and other planning obligations.
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Experience of providing professional planning advice to senior stakeholders, elected Members and developers.
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Experience of supervising, mentoring or managing planning staff.
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Experience of working effectively under pressure and managing competing priorities.
Desirable Experience
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Experience of Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
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Experience of representing a local authority at court proceedings.
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Experience of managing external consultants and professional advisers.
Qualifications
Essential
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Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
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Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible for membership.
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Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
Desirable
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Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related field.
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Management or leadership qualification.
Knowledge
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In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy and procedures.
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Strong understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act and associated regulations.
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Knowledge of planning enforcement processes and appeals procedures.
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Understanding of local government decision-making processes.
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Knowledge of planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
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Awareness of current planning issues, national policy frameworks and emerging best practice.
Skills and Abilities
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Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently.
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Strong report writing and analytical skills.
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Ability to present and defend the Council's position at Committee, appeal, inquiry and court proceedings.
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Strong organisational and project management skills.
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Ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory deadlines.
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Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
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Ability to lead, mentor and support colleagues.
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Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
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Ability to interpret technical plans, drawings and complex supporting documents.
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Proactive, solution-focused and customer-oriented approach.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
Additional Information
Location: Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS, United Kingdom.
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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.
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Hours: 37 hours per week.
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Rate: £32.68 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
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Contract Type: Interim/Contract opportunity.
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We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged
