Principal Town Planner

Roc Search Europe Limited; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an experienced Interim Principal Planner to join their Major Development team. This role involves managing a caseload of major planning applications and advising various stakeholders. Candidates should possess RTPI membership and preferably have a strong local authority background. The position offers hybrid working arrangements with a pay rate of £30-£40 per hour, flexible working hours, and a duration of up to 12 months.

Qualifications

• RTPI membership is required.
• Experience in major planning applications at a senior level is preferred.
• Strong understanding of planning law and case law is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of major planning applications.
• Prepare officer reports for committee decisions.
• Advise on planning matters to various stakeholders.
• Represent the council at inquiries.

Skills

RTPI membership

Experience with major planning applications

Knowledge of planning law and policy

Strong report writing skills

Political awareness

Communication skills

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 preferred).
• 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.