Job Description

Town Planning Major Development Officer

Sittingbourne / Hybrid Working

£70.72 per hour Umbrella

A Local Authority in Kent is seeking an experienced Town Planning Major Development Officer to join their Planning Service on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled planning professional to manage a diverse portfolio of significant development proposals while supporting the development of junior colleagues.

You will be responsible for handling a varied caseload of complex major planning applications. These may include large-scale residential developments, strategic housing schemes, commercial projects, and energy-related developments.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and determine a portfolio of major planning applications from submission through to decision.

Assess complex planning proposals and provide clear, well-reasoned recommendations.

Negotiate with applicants, developers, consultees, stakeholders and elected members to secure positive planning outcomes.

Prepare detailed reports and recommendations under delegated powers.

Attend Planning Committee meetings and present applications as required.

Provide mentoring and technical support to a Planner or Senior Planner.

Exercise delegated authority on applications where the case officer is the planner you are mentoring.

Ensure decisions are made in accordance with planning legislation, local policies and national guidance.

Experience

To be considered, you will be a qualified Town Planner with substantial experience managing major planning applications within a local authority environment.

You will possess:

Degree qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.

Extensive experience handling major and strategic development proposals.

Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management processes.

Experience assessing complex residential, commercial and/or energy-related schemes.

Excellent report-writing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

The ability to work independently whilst providing mentoring and professional support to colleagues.

Membership of the RTPI (or eligibility) is desirable.

Hybrid working model.

Approximately one day per week in the office, with attendance at monthly Planning Committee meetings as required