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.