Development Management Team Leader (Planning)

Development Management Team Leader (Planning) Location: London Rate: £42-£55 per hour Contract: interim/ongoing Spencer Clarke Group are supporting a local authority to appoint a Development Management Team Leader (Planning) within their Development Management service. This role supports the senior management team to oversee the effective handling of planning applications and related work, ensuring decisions and recommendations are made in line with current planning legislation and local policy. You will lead a Development Management team, manage complex and sensitive cases, and represent the service at committees, meetings and, where required, inquiries. Responsibilities include * Leading and managing a Development Management team to ensure a consistent, high quality service and effective workload delivery * Reviewing planning applications and guiding officers on next steps, including negotiations with applicants to improve schemes and outcomes * Preparing, checking and approving reports, including those for complex or contentious applications * Making delegated decisions on planning applications and associated matters where required * Representing the service at Planning Committee, providing clear advice on applications and planning policy * Attending site visits and meetings with internal teams, neighbouring authorities, consultees and external stakeholders * Supporting work relating to Section 106 discussions, providing advice and input on key application details * Advising on planning impacts on communities, including infrastructure, sustainability and relevant service requirements * Responding to correspondence and enquiries and overseeing outgoing communication from the team * Contributing to continuous improvement activity and maintaining performance within a target driven environment About you * MRTPI membership, or eligible to become a member * Strong working knowledge of planning legislation and development management practice * Proven experience managing staff within a planning environment * Experience handling a busy personal caseload and delivering reports to tight deadlines * Confident communicator, able to engage with Members, officers, the public and other stakeholders * Experience presenting and defending planning recommendations, including at committee and, where required, at hearings or inquiries * Ability to lead, motivate and support a professional team while maintaining high standards and consistency How to Apply Send your CV or get in touch with Cameron Nicholls at Spencer Clarke Group on (phone number removed) or