I'm delighted to be supporting a Local Authority in Essex are looking to appoint a Principal Planning Officer on an initial 3-month temporary contract basis. This role requires a planning professional who has previous experience of working on major planning applications and who can manage a varied workload. This role is being offered on a hybrid working basis with an expectation of 1 day a week in the office as well as attending site visits and occasional evening committee meetings. Knowledge of renewable energy would be advantageous. Key Accountabilities: Manage a broad range of more complex cases and pre-applications with particular emphasis on larger developments including negotiating S106 agreements, Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) and providing resilience and flexibility within the service. Manage complex and/or contentious planning applications, processes and compliance, regulations and legislation, acting as the single point of contact for customers on those cases and attending appeals hearings and public inquiries as appropriate. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, as well as Members and managing key relationships with partners including Essex County Council and Local Councils and other stakeholders Access and accurately update all relevant information systems, both customer and back office ensuring that the master customer record is updated and maintained through verification and validation, and in accordance with Data Protection principles Prepare and present reports to Area Planning Committees, District Planning Committee, and other internal and external meetings and present evidence/stand as witness at planning appeal hearings and public inquiries The Experience You Will Bring Educated to degree level in Planning or a relevant subject Thorough working knowledge of practices, methodologies, and legislation within Planning Experienced in complex casework; able to give advice and guidance on a broad range of cases and topics Proven ability to enforce legislation where appropriate Eligibility for Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent Job Details; Rate - £50.00 - £60.00 p/h Working Pattern - Hybrid (1 day on site per week) Contract Length - Initial 3 month contact, then reviewed every quarter Hit APPLY below to submit your CV for this role, or connect with me on LinkedIn to hear about my other opportunities and market insights. I'd be more than happy to have a confidential conversation about your experience. You can also contact me at stephen@park-avenue.co.uk, 07561 806 0323 or 020 3976 1517. Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work with numerous Local Authorities across the UK requiring contractors from Planning Officer, through to Director level across Development Management, Planning Enforcement, and Policy teams.