A Local Authority in Essex is seeking a seasoned and adaptable Senior Planner (Policy) to support its Planning Policy function during a critical phase of Local Plan preparation. This role offers a competitive rate of up to £45.00 per hour, a supportive hybrid working arrangement, and the opportunity to play a central role in shaping the borough's long-term growth strategy.

The Role

The authority is working towards reaching Regulation 19 early next year, following a long period without an up-to-date Local Plan, presenting both significant opportunities and complex legal and planning challenges. You'll be expected to support this transition by assisting in policy writing, engaging with developers, and helping to steer the plan through its final stages. The service is currently structured with junior officers and three Principal Planners, and this role is designed to provide the crucial mid-level senior support they're currently missing.

You will be part of a busy and forward-looking team dealing with active pre-applications and significant planning pressures, so the ability to manage your own workload, support others, and step in with minimal supervision is key.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the progression of the Local Plan towards Regulation 19 submission

• Write and review planning policy documents and topic papers

• Provide strategic advice on legal and procedural aspects of plan-making

• Act as a mentor and day-to-day support for junior officers within the team

• Engage with developers, stakeholders, and consultees to ensure sound policy development

• Prepare and present evidence at hearings, committees, and examinations

• Assist with the coordination and project management of the Local Plan programme

• Contribute to the alignment of strategic planning with ongoing pressures in Development Management

About You

• Strong experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation within a local authority

• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Previous experience in project managing plan-making stages and coordinating topic papers

• Comfortable leading discussions with developers and external stakeholders

• Strong policy writing and reporting skills

• Ability to support and mentor junior planners effectively

• A background supporting multiple authorities through various stages of plan-making is highly desirable

• MRTPI membership or eligibility preferred

Why Apply?

• Up to £45.00 per hour (umbrella)

• Initial 3-month contract, with a strong likelihood of extension

• Hybrid working - ideally 1 day per week in-office, with flexibility depending on the candidate

• Help deliver a Local Plan in an authority that hasn't had one for 20 years

• Join a team facing real planning challenges and make a visible, lasting impact

Interested?

To apply or find out more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work closely with Local Authorities across Essex and the wider region, recruiting across Development Management, Planning Policy, and Enforcement. If this role doesn't quite fit, I'd be happy to discuss others that might suit your skills and experience.