Senior Planning Lead: Major Developments & Appeals

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Whitmore; Hybrid; GBP 71,767,000 - 77,146,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington Blake Recruitment is seeking an experienced planning professional to manage a varied caseload of complex planning applications and major developments. You will prepare high-quality reports and provide robust recommendations to committees and the Assistant Director for Planning, ensuring decisions align with policy and legislation.

You will lead on strategic projects, advise councillors, and oversee planning staff to deliver a customer-focused service while maintaining compliance and

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate orally with Councillors and diverse groups.
• Excellent written, structured reporting and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation and policy.
• Proven ability to lead complex planning projects and PPAs.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex, high-profile planning applications and appeals.
• Provide expert planning advice ensuring robust decisions.
• Lead pre-application discussions and Planning Performance Agreements.
• Manage complex legal agreements including Section 106.
• Sign off applications under delegation, ensuring policy compliance.
• Support enforcement officers and oversee external services.
• Present expert evidence at inquiries, hearings and court.
• Keep up-to-date with planning law and policy; advise stakeholders.
• Represent the Council at committee; assist supervision of staff.
• Strive for continuous improvement and service delivery.

Skills

Clear communication

Written clarity

Public speaking

Organised workload

Proactive improvement

Team player

Self-motivated

Independent work

Understanding planning rules

Job description

Carrington Blake Recruitment is seeking an experienced planning professional to manage a varied caseload of complex planning applications and major developments. You will prepare high-quality reports and provide robust recommendations to committees and the Assistant Director for Planning, ensuring decisions align with policy and legislation.

You will lead on strategic projects, advise councillors, and oversee planning staff to deliver a customer-focused service while maintaining compliance and