Planning Officer – Development Management

Location: Essex (Hybrid Working Available)
Contract: Temporary, Full-Time
Rate: £40.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Duration: Initial 3-6 month contract with potential extension

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Planning Officer – Development Management to join a busy local authority planning team within Essex. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional looking to work on a varied caseload within a diverse district that includes urban, suburban and rural communities, with significant Green Belt coverage.

As a Development Management Planning Officer, you will be responsible for managing a range of planning applications and undertaking all associated casework duties. You will play a key role in delivering a high-quality planning service, ensuring applications are assessed efficiently and in accordance with planning legislation, policy and best practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a varied caseload of planning applications from validation through to determination.
• Assess planning proposals and prepare clear, concise and well-reasoned reports.
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, councillors and members of the public.
• Conduct site visits and engage with stakeholders as required.
• Ensure compliance with statutory timescales, performance targets and customer service standards.
• Apply planning policy and legislation effectively, including Green Belt policy considerations where relevant.

Requirements:

• Degree qualification in Planning or a related discipline, or significant demonstrable experience within Development Management.
• Proven experience working as a Planning Officer / Case Officer within a local authority planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
• Experience assessing and determining planning applications, including those within the Green Belt.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Ability to manage workload independently and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Good understanding of current issues affecting local government and planning services.
• Proficient in the use of planning systems and technology to support modern service delivery.

If you are an experienced Development Management Planning Officer looking for your next interim opportunity within Essex, we would like to hear from you.

[email protected]

0161 470 5506