Interim Principal Planner - Strategic Major Application Lead

Essex | Local Authority | Interim | Principal Planning Officer

My client is seeking an experienced Interim Principal Planner to take a lead role in progressing a large‑scale, strategic planning application within the Local Authority. This is a high‑impact interim appointment suited to a confident, technically strong planner capable of managing a major development proposal from initial handling through to decision.

The Role:

The successful candidate will act as the lead professional officer for a single, high‑profile strategic proposal. The work will involve coordinating specialist inputs, managing the overall programme, shaping the authority’s position, and ensuring all required assessments, negotiations and reporting are completed to a high standard.

Key responsibilities will include,

• Acting as lead officer on a major outline planning application of significant scale and complexity
• Providing clear, robust planning advice throughout the assessment and reporting stages
• Managing negotiations with applicants and external advisors across technical, environmental and policy matters
• Preparing high‑quality officer reports, briefings and recommendations for senior officers and elected Members
• Presenting confidently at Planning Committee where required
• Operating on a hybrid basis, with office presence adjusted to the needs of the project

The Ideal Candidate:

This role will suit an experienced interim Town Planner with a strong strategic planning background and a proven track record of taking responsibility for major or complex development proposals.

Candidates are likely to have:

• Extensive experience assessing and progressing major planning applications at Principal Planner or Major Projects level
• A strong understanding of relevant policy frameworks, including those relating to strategic sites, environmental considerations and large‑scale development
• Robust Committee‑facing skills and confidence advising senior officers and Members
• Experience managing multidisciplinary inputs and navigating politically sensitive environments
• The ability to work independently, meet deadlines and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

Working Arrangements / Terms:

• Initial 6‑month contract
• Outside IR35
• Up to £500 per day (dependent on experience)
• Hybrid working, with in‑person attendance determined by project demands

Apply via this advert, or contact Ollie Jarvis for a confidential discussion directly on 07824 862 893, or via email to [email protected].