Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planner - Development Management Remote / Hybrid (Office attendance preferred 1-2 days per week) £50 per hour (Umbrella) 35 hours per week Job Ref - 70420 An excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Planner to join a busy Local Authority Development Management team, supporting an ongoing service improvement programme and helping to clear a backlog of planning applications. You will manage a varied caseload of minor and major applications, delivering a high standard of customer service and helping improve the experience of applicants and stakeholders. Key responsibilities: Manage and process a varied caseload of planning applications, from minor to major applications Work through an existing backlog of applications, progressing cases efficiently and independently Provide excellent customer service, dealing professionally with applicants and customers who may have experienced previous service delays Apply national planning procedures accurately, alongside local Merton planning policies Undertake site visits as required, with visits potentially arranged in batches Work flexibly across either of the two Development Management area teams Liaise with area team leaders, who will provide line management and sign off completed cases Attend planning committee meetings on Thursday evenings if required Requirements: Strong experience in Development Management, handling both minor and major planning applications Ability to manage a varied caseload with ..... full job details .....