A well-organised Local Authority in Essex is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Planning Officer to support the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused planning services. This interim position offers a competitive rate of £45.00 per hour and will involve leading on complex applications, supporting junior officers, and contributing to continuous service improvement.

The Role

Working within the Development Management function, you will manage a range of planning cases from pre-application advice and general enquiries to complex and sometimes contentious applications. You will play a key role in delivering professional advice, progressing planning appeals, and supporting internal decision-making. You'll also guide and mentor junior staff, help develop internal planning policy and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.

This is a hybrid role, requiring 1 day per week in-office, with flexibility for remote working.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide customer-focused, professional planning advice across a range of development proposals

• Manage complex and contentious planning applications, pre-apps, and appeals from start to completion

• Act as the single point of contact for specific cases, including at appeal hearings and public inquiries

• Support Graduate Planners and Technical Officers, offering professional advice and mentorship

• Work cross-departmentally and with external stakeholders including county and parish councils

• Prepare and present reports to Area and District Planning Committees

• Represent the authority at hearings, inquiries, and public consultation events

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and case law

• Ensure accuracy and compliance in all back-office and customer-facing planning systems

About You

• Strong experience in town planning, particularly in managing complex or sensitive applications

• Sound understanding of planning legislation, policy, and enforcement procedures

• Proven ability to give balanced, robust advice across a wide range of planning topics

• Experience preparing committee reports and presenting at meetings

• Skilled communicator with the ability to work independently and within a team

• Comfortable engaging with councillors, stakeholders, and members of the public

• RTPI membership (or eligibility) preferred

Why Apply?

• £45.00 per hour (umbrella)

• Initial 3-6 month contract, with scope for extension

• Hybrid working - only 1 day per week in-office

• Opportunity to work on a wide range of cases, including appeals and hearings

• Join a collaborative planning team with strong professional values

Interested?

To apply or find out more, please 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 numerous Local Authorities across the East of England, placing contractors from entry-level to Director level in Development Management, Enforcement, and Policy. I'd be happy to discuss additional opportunities that may align with your experience.