Senior Planning Officer in London

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join a highly regarded Local Authority in Greater London. This is a key role within a busy Development Management team, offering the chance to work on a diverse portfolio of major planning applications, regeneration schemes and strategic development projects that will help shape the future of the borough.

This position would suit a planning professional with strong Development Management experience who is looking to take ownership of complex applications, mentor junior colleagues and contribute to the delivery of high-quality sustainable development.

The Role

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will manage a varied caseload of complex planning applications and appeals, providing expert planning advice and leading negotiations with developers, stakeholders and elected members to secure positive planning outcomes. You will play an important role in delivering regeneration and investment opportunities across the borough while ensuring compliance with national, regional and local planning policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and determine a caseload of complex major and minor planning applications.
• Prepare detailed officer reports and recommendations for Planning Committee and delegated decisions.
• Present planning applications at committee meetings and respond to member enquiries.
• Lead negotiations with applicants, agents and developers to achieve high-quality development outcomes.
• Provide pre-application advice on significant and complex schemes.
• Prepare appeal statements and represent the authority at hearings, inquiries and tribunals where required.
• Undertake site visits and assess the impact of proposed developments.
• Work closely with internal departments, statutory consultees and external stakeholders.
• Support planning enforcement matters and provide professional planning advice where necessary.
• Mentor and support junior planning officers, contributing to team development and performance.
• Assist with the management of specific service areas, projects and planning programmes.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Significant experience within Development Management, Planning Policy and/or Planning Enforcement.
• Strong working knowledge of current Town and Country Planning legislation and practice.
• Experience handling complex planning applications and appeals.
• Excellent report-writing, analytical and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively with developers and stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with members, applicants, residents and colleagues.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality customer-focused planning services.