At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning applications and provide expert advice for sustainable community growth.
- Company: Local Authority focused on high-quality, customer-centric planning services.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in Development Management required.
The predicted salary is between 32.68 - 32.68 £ per hour.
- 6 months contract with a Local Authority
- Job Purpose
To lead on the assessment and determination of the borough.
Most complex, high-profile and strategically significant planning applications, appeals and planning matters.
The post-holder 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 Councilâ s 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 Council's 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.
Housing Planner in Bromley employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Planner in Bromley
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
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Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Civic Recruitment Limited that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
