Principal Town Planner

ZipRecruiter; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks an interim Principal Planner to manage high-profile planning applications. You will advise on planning matters, prepare reports, and support junior officers, with a strong preference for candidates holding RTPI membership and a postgraduate qualification in planning. The role offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, requiring a minimum of one day in the office per week.

Qualifications

• RTPI membership is essential.
• Strong experience with major planning applications at a senior level.
• Excellent knowledge of planning law and policy.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of major planning applications through to decision.
• Prepare officer reports and recommendations for committee.
• Advise councillors and handle planning appeals.

Skills

RTPI membership

Experience with major planning applications

Planning law knowledge

Strong report writing skills

Communication skills

Political awareness

Education

Postgraduate qualification in planning

Job description

Overview

I'm currently supporting Sussex Council who are looking for an interim Principal Planner to join their Major Development team. This is a great opportunity to take on a high-profile caseload of major applications while working on a hybrid basis.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of major planning applications through to decision.
• Preparing officer reports and recommendations for committee and under delegated powers.
• Handling planning appeals and representing the council at inquiries where needed.
• Advising councillors, colleagues, and the public on planning matters.
• Keeping up to date with planning law, policy, and case law.
• Providing support to junior officers and deputising for senior management where required.

Key requirements

• RTPI membership and a postgraduate qualification in planning.
• Strong experience of major planning applications at senior level (local authority background).
• Excellent knowledge of planning law, policy, and case law.
• Strong report writing, communication, and political awareness skills.
• Full UK driving licence (site visits required).

Details

• Rate: £30-£40ph (via agency PAYE or umbrella, IR35 status to be confirmed with the client)
• Location: Haywards Heath (hybrid - min. 1 day per week in office + committees/site visits)
• Start: ASAP
• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Hours: 37 per week, 9-5 (flexible)

If you're interested, or know someone in your network who might be, please send me an updated CV and we can arrange a call to discuss further.