Principal Planner

5-6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join its Planning and Building Control Service within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate on a temporary agency basis.

• The postholder will support Area Team Leaders in managing workloads, supervising staff and delivering high-quality development management services.

• This role involves leading on complex, high-profile and strategically important planning applications, pre-applications and appeals, ensuring statutory compliance and supporting the regeneration of the borough’s diverse communities.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Support the Team Leader in managing area team workloads and supervising planning staff.

• Act as lead case officer for complex, major, politically sensitive and strategic planning applications and pre-applications.

• Provide high-quality professional planning assessments and recommendations in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation.

• Lead and manage complex planning appeals, public inquiries and examinations, acting as the Council’s expert witness where required.

• Undertake advanced project management of planning applications, appeals and regeneration-related projects.

• Negotiate planning obligations, including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions (e.g. CIL and S106).

• Prepare, present and defend planning reports and recommendations to Development Committees and senior officers.

• Manage and deliver public consultation exercises in line with the Statement of Community Involvement.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date planning records using Council ICT and case management systems.

• Represent the Council at external meetings with government bodies, developers, consultants and community stakeholders.

• Mentor, supervise and support Planning Officers and Graduate Planners.

• Contribute to corporate priorities including equality, sustainability and effective partnership working.

Skills/Experience:

• Significant post-qualification experience in development management within a local planning authority.

• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy and guidance, including the Town and Country Planning Acts.

• Proven experience managing complex, major and high-profile planning applications and appeals.

• Experience acting as lead case officer and representing a local authority at public inquiries or hearings.

• Excellent report writing, analytical and decision-making skills.

• Strong negotiation skills, particularly relating to planning obligations and affordable housing.

• Experience supervising, mentoring or coaching planning staff.

• Ability to work independently using professional judgement with minimal supervision.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Competent user of planning and information management systems.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 19/12/2025 @17:00.

• Working hours: 35 hours per week (9:00am – 5:00pm).

• Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets.