Principal Planner - Development Management
Remote / Hybrid (Office attendance preferred 1-2 days per week)
£50 per hour (Umbrella)
35 hours per week
Job Ref - 70420
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Planner to join a busy Local Authority Development Management team, supporting an ongoing service improvement programme and helping to clear a backlog of planning applications. You will manage a varied caseload of minor and major applications, delivering a high standard of customer service and helping improve the experience of applicants and stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage and process a varied caseload of planning applications, from minor to major applications
- Work through an existing backlog of applications, progressing cases efficiently and independently
- Provide excellent customer service, dealing professionally with applicants and customers who may have experienced previous service delays
- Apply national planning procedures accurately, alongside local Merton planning policies
- Undertake site visits as required, with visits potentially arranged in batches
- Work flexibly across either of the two Development Management area teams
- Liaise with area team leaders, who will provide line management and sign off completed cases
- Attend planning committee meetings on Thursday evenings if required
Requirements:
- Strong experience in Development Management, handling both minor and major planning applications
- Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision
- Sound knowledge of national planning legislation, procedures and policies
- Experience delivering high levels of customer service and managing challenging customer interactions
- Confidence making independent planning decisions and progressing applications without extensive supervision
- Willingness to travel for site visits and attend committee meetings when required
Flexible remote/hybrid working is available, with a preference for 1-2 days per week in the office. Candidates must be willing to travel for site visits as required. Travel to the office, site visits and committee meetings will be at the candidate's own time and expense.
Principal Planning Officer in London employer: The Planner
Join the Redbridge Council and be part of an exciting transformation journey that aims to enhance the borough's landscape and economic prospects. As a forward-thinking employer, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and community impact, offering you the chance to lead strategic initiatives while building strong relationships with stakeholders. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of our services and contribute meaningfully to the lives of our residents.
