Principal Planner, Local Authority (Essex)

Contract: Temporary, Full Time (6-month contract)
Rate: £50.00 to £55.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid working supported

An Essex-based Local Authority is seeking two experienced and motivated Principal Planners to join their Development Management team on an interim basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to support a growing borough with significant regeneration, infrastructure investment, and strategic growth ambitions. The role offers a competitive rate of up to £55.00 per hour, flexible hybrid working, and involvement in major and complex planning applications.

The Role

You will be responsible for leading on a wide range of planning matters, with a particular emphasis on major and strategic applications that are key to the borough’s growth. This will include pre-application discussions, policy interpretation, report writing, and presenting at committee. You’ll also play a role in shaping service delivery and ensuring effective development outcomes.

There may also be opportunities to work across other functions of the planning service, including policy and enforcement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the assessment and determination of major and strategic planning applications

• Engage with developers, applicants, and stakeholders to facilitate high-quality development

• Provide professional planning advice to internal teams, elected Members, and external partners

• Draft and present reports at Planning Committee

• Attend developer meetings, internal case reviews, and consultation events as required

• Contribute to service improvement and policy alignment

• Work collaboratively across the wider planning team, including policy and enforcement

About You

• Significant experience as a Planner within a local authority, including complex and major applications

• Confident communicator, with experience engaging with Members, developers, and the public

• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and work under pressure

• Sound understanding of UK planning law, local authority processes, and strategic development issues

• Degree in Town Planning or a related field

• MRTPI membership or eligibility preferred

Why Apply?

• £50.00 to £55.00 per hour (umbrella)

• 6-month contract, with the potential for extension

• Hybrid working supported

• Join a forward-thinking planning team delivering growth and regeneration

• Work on diverse and high-profile development schemes

Interested?

To apply or learn more, contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work with Local Authorities across Essex and the surrounding areas, placing planning professionals across Development Management, Policy, and Enforcement. Get in touch to explore other roles that may suit your experience.