Senior Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer - Chelmsford

💷 Pay: £50 per hour (PAYE) 📅

Contract:

6 months 🕘

Hours:

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (36 hours per week) 📍

Location:

Hybrid - 1-2 site visits per week across the Chelmsford borough

Chelmsford City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to lead on major, strategic and complex development proposals across the city. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping Chelmsford's growth, ensuring development aligns with legislation, planning policies, and strong urban design principles.

✨ The Role

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring that development within the city complies with planning legislation and Council policies. You will act as a key point of contact for high‑profile developments, providing expert guidance and ensuring projects progress within agreed timescales.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

Planning & Development

Manage pre-application enquiries and planning applications for large-scale, strategic and complex developments.
Provide written and verbal advice to developers, architects and specialist consultants.
Negotiate Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) and Section 106 agreements.

Project & Case Management

Monitor and drive progress on major development proposals.
Maintain accurate records and ensure statutory and agreed deadlines are met.

Appeals & Enforcement

Prepare appeal statements and proofs of evidence.
Represent the Council at Public Inquiries and Hearings.
Manage and resolve complex enforcement cases.

📘 Qualifications

Full Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) - essential.

📚 Knowledge Required

Strong understanding of town planning legislation and development processes.
Good knowledge of Local Government structures, Council functions and constitutional operations.
Awareness of urban design principles and best practice.
Competency in using planning application software, GIS, and document management systems.

💼 Experience Essential

Proven experience handling complex planning applications and delivering successful outcomes.
Background in preparing and delivering evidence at Public Inquiries or Hearings.
Experience in planning enforcement, including complex cases.
Confident working with elected members, both formally and informally.

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