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- Tasks: Lead complex planning applications and manage development projects for diverse communities.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, a dynamic local authority.
- Benefits: 35-hour work week, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban regeneration and community development.
- Qualifications: Experience in development management and strong knowledge of UK planning legislation required.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a chance to shape the future of London.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
5-6 months contract with a Local Authority. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join its Planning and Building Control Service within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate on a temporary agency basis. The postholder will support Area Team Leaders in managing workloads, supervising staff and delivering high-quality development management services. This role involves leading on complex high-profile and strategically important planning applications, pre-applications and appeals, ensuring statutory compliance and supporting the regeneration of the borough's diverse communities.
Key Duties/Accountabilities
- Support the Team Leader in managing area team workloads and supervising planning staff.
- Act as lead case officer for complex major politically sensitive and strategic planning applications and pre-applications.
- Provide high-quality professional planning assessments and recommendations in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation.
- Lead and manage complex planning appeals, public inquiries and examinations acting as the Council's expert witness where required.
- Undertake advanced project management of planning applications, appeals and regeneration-related projects.
- Negotiate planning obligations including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions (e.g. CIL and S106).
- Prepare, present and defend planning reports and recommendations to Development Committees and senior officers.
- Manage and deliver public consultation exercises in line with the Statement of Community Involvement.
- Maintain accurate up-to-date planning records using Council ICT and case management systems.
- Represent the Council at external meetings with government bodies, developers, consultants and community stakeholders.
- Mentor, supervise and support Planning Officers and Graduate Planners.
- Contribute to corporate priorities including equality, sustainability and effective partnership working.
Skills/Experience
- Significant post-qualification experience in development management within a local planning authority.
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy and guidance including the Town and Country Planning Acts.
- Proven experience managing complex major and high-profile planning applications and appeals.
- Experience acting as lead case officer and representing a local authority at public inquiries or hearings.
- Excellent report writing, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong negotiation skills particularly relating to planning obligations and affordable housing.
- Experience supervising, mentoring or coaching planning staff.
- Ability to work independently using professional judgement with minimal supervision.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Competent user of planning and information management systems.
Additional Information
- The closing date: 19/12/2025 @17:00.
- Working hours: 35 hours per week (9:00am-5:00pm).
- Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Principal Planner employer: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
Contact Detail:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their community and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating planning obligations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in development management and your knowledge of UK planning legislation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects you've managed, especially those that were complex or high-profile. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve improved processes or outcomes, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your application. Remember, we’re looking for excellent report writing skills, so show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to the role and give examples of how you've navigated complex planning applications in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising staff, be ready to share your experiences in mentoring or coaching planning officers. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team dynamics.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about your experience with public consultations and stakeholder management. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with community members, government bodies, and developers, and what strategies you used to ensure effective communication.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Negotiating planning obligations is key in this role. Come equipped with examples of past negotiations, particularly around affordable housing and infrastructure contributions. Show how your skills led to successful outcomes for all parties involved.
