Principal Planning Officer

One of London’s most pro-development borough councils is searching for an accomplished Principal Area Team Planning Officer

You will play a pivotal role managing and supervising a junior member of staff as well as a caseload of complex and small-scale major applications generally ranging from 18-39 units.

As a lead member within this dynamic Area Team, you will allocate minor and complex cases to the Planning Officer under your supervision in conjunction with monitoring performance and signing off delegated reports.

Furthermore, you will also trouble shoot complex planning issues relating to specific cases to minimise the potential for bottlenecks and delays with decision making as well representing council at committee.

Key responsibilities include;
 

• Manage and mentor three to four planning officers
• Allocate caseloads amongst the team consisting of householders, certificates of lawful development, prior approvals, residential, commercial, advertisements, change of use, mixed use and listed building consents etc
• Sign off delegated reports
• Manage and process a caseload of large-scale major and strategic planning applications consisting of residential, mixed use, change of use, community infrastructure, and commercial developments etc.
• Facilitate close liaison with major developers, architects and external consultants through paid pre-application meetings.
• Negotiate complex S106 agreements in conjunction with discharging conditions and finalising reserved matters.
• Draft detailed delegated reports and present at committee
• Conduct member briefings, engage with regeneration teams and consult with local community groups
• Liaise and work closely with external bodies including the GLA and TFL etc.

Successful candidates will have acquired practical experience as a Senior or Principal Planner in Development Management, prior experience managing or mentoring junior members of staff is preferred but not essential.

Applicants must have a degree in Town & Country Planning and excellent written and communication skills as well an aptitude for dealing with complex planning issues and applications.

For further details, please feel free to contact Alex Ashman at Macdonald & Company on 0207 318 5261 or email: aashman@macdonaldandcompany.com