Development Management Principal Planner

Your new company Hays are pleased to be working with a highly regarded Surrey-based local authority to recruit an experienced Principal Development Management Planner on an interim basis.This PPA-funded opportunity offers the chance to work on a varied portfolio of major and strategic development proposals within a well-resourced and supportive planning team. The council is experiencing a sustained pipeline of development activity and requires an experienced planning professional to help deliver key applications and maintain excellent performance levels. Your new role As a Principal Development Management Planner, you will manage a portfolio of major and complex planning applications, taking responsibility for projects from pre-application stage through to determination.You will work closely with developers, agents, consultees and elected members, providing expert planning advice and helping to facilitate sustainable growth across the borough.Key responsibilities will include: • Managing a caseload of major, strategic and complex planning applications. • Leading pre-application discussions and negotiations with developers and planning consultants. • Preparing high-quality officer reports and recommendations. • Presenting applications and recommendations at Planning Committee. • Providing professional planning advice to internal and external stakeholders. • Negotiating planning obligations and application amendments where required. • Liaising with statutory consultees, legal teams and elected members. • Supporting junior planners and contributing to the effective operation of the Development Management team. What you'll need to succeed • Degree qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline. • Significant Development Management experience within a local authority environment. • Strong experience handling major and complex planning applications. • Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management procedures. • Experience presenting at Planning Committee. • Strong report-writing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills. • Ability to work independently within a fast-paced planning service. What you'll get in return • Competitive rate of £50-£65 per hour. • PPA-funded contract offering excellent earning potential. • Initial temporary contract with strong potential for extension. • Flexible hybrid working arrangement with office attendance required just once per week. • Opportunity to work on a diverse and high-profile development portfolio. • Supportive and collaborative planning team. • Immediate start available. What you need to do now Please contact Ben Styles in our Town Planning team on If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk