Principal Town Planner – Guildford/Hybrid – £39.57/hr (Umbrella)

A Local Authority in the Guildford area is seeking an experienced Principal Town Planner to join their Development Management team on an interim basis.
This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead on a range of major, high-profile, and complex planning applications, working within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority.

Key Responsibilities:

- Act as Case Officer for large-scale residential and mixed-use developments.
- Manage a caseload of complex planning applications from pre-application through to decision.
- Engage with developers, stakeholders, and statutory consultees to shape and deliver sustainable development.
- Draft comprehensive committee and delegated reports with sound recommendations.
- Lead on S106 negotiations, ensuring planning obligations are aligned with council priorities.
- Represent the Council at Planning Committee and other stakeholder meetings.

Requirements:

- MRTPI qualified or eligible.
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) handling major planning applications in a local authority setting.
- Strong understanding of current planning legislation, policy frameworks, and development viability.
- Track record of delivering housing-led schemes through to decision.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.