Principal Planner

Overview

Our client is looking for a Principal DM Planning Officer to take a lead role in the team. Based in North London, they are confident that they can offer an excellent work environment, that is both professionally-rewarding whilst also providing an enjoyable place to work.

Responsibilities

A key requirement of the role will be leading liaison and negotiation with major developers, architects and external consultants through paid pre-application meetings. You will negotiate complex S106 agreements in conjunction with discharging conditions and finalise reserved matters. With the support of your team you will draft detailed delegated reports and present at committee.

You will also make decisions for the Council under the Assistant Director's delegated powers in respect of determining planning applications for up to 10 residential units and 1000 sq.m of commercial development, householder planning applications, applications for Certificates of Lawful Development, vehicular accesses, shop fronts, shop advertisements and applications for works to trees, or such other applications as may be required by the Assistant Director.

You will also have direct line management responsibility for a number of Planning officers and manage your own caseload of major and strategic planning applications.

Qualifications

We are looking for an established Principal Planner with experience of working for a Local Authority in the UK. You will need an excellent knowledge of UK planning regs and you will need major experience alongside good leadership skills.

Contract

The initial contract will be 3 months with potential to extend given the workload. The rate will be £50.70/hr Umbrella, this role is inside IR35. Our client offers hybrid working which can be clarified at interview stage. Closing date for applications is the 14th Jul 2026.