Planning Officer

Major Projects Officer

Based in London

Length: 6 months with possible extension

IR35 status: Inside

We are looking for an experienced Major Projects Officer to join the Development Management team of a local authority as the lead officer for the borough's largest and most complex planning applications.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take ownership of a high-profile caseload; from major applications and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) through to complex pre-application submissions, screening and scoping opinions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Case managing complex major planning applications from validation through to recommendation, including managing the GLA Stage 1 & Stage 2 process
• Leading the delivery of commitments under bespoke Planning Performance Agreements
• Coordinating complex pre-application submissions, including internal and external project meetings
• Preparing professional reports and recommendations for the DM management team and Planning Committee
• Preparing appeal statements and acting as the Council's lead witness at Hearings and Public Inquiries
• Handling post-decision matters such as discharge of conditions, re-submissions (NMAs, s73s) and complaints
• Contributing to service improvement and keeping up to date with planning legislation and case law

Skills, experience and knowledge:

• A degree or Masters in Town & Country Planning (or a related discipline such as geography, construction, architecture or design)
• 5+ years' significant experience as a Development Control Planning Officer, with particular emphasis on major planning applications
• Sound knowledge of planning legislation and case law
• Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, GIS and planning software)
• An understanding of the role of elected members and CMT in the planning process
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to undertake site visits

Desirable:

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards it
• Experience signing off cases
• Experience presenting major applications at Planning Committee