Director of Town Planning and Building Control

Osborne Richardson is seeking a Director of Town Planning and Building Control for a contract role in London. The role involves strategic leadership in planning services, implementing the City Plan, and ensuring high-quality urban design. Candidates must have recent experience at a director level within a UK local authority, with expertise in town planning and stakeholder engagement. The position allows for hybrid working but requires significant in-borough presence.
Our client is a prominent Local Authority based in the centre of London, and they are seeking an experienced Director of Town Planning and Building Control to join them for a contract role.

Our client requires an exceptional individual to provide strategic leadership and drive excellence across their Planning and Building Control services. This is a high-profile leadership role, shaping the boroughs built environment and ensuring that their City Plan delivers on its ambitions for sustainable growth, high-quality urban design, and resident-focused service delivery.

Key Responsibilities for this role will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Set the vision and future direction for Planning and Building Control services, ensuring innovation and a customer-centric approach.

• City Plan Implementation: Lead the delivery of the councils City Plan, ensuring planning policies align with the Council’s strategic objectives.

• Regulatory and Policy Expertise: Act as the Council’s Planning expert, providing strategic advice to Councillors, senior leaders, and external partners.

• High-Quality Urban Design: Promote a safe, well-planned, economically successful, and socially inclusive city, acting as a champion for sustainable development.

• Operational Excellence: Oversee Development Management, Planning Enforcement, Infrastructure Planning, and Building Control, ensuring high standards and compliance with legislation.

Applicants for this post must recently have held a similar Director level position in this field with a UK local authority. Expertise in town planning, urban design, and development management within an urban context. Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, working with local and central government, landowners, and developers. A track record of delivering service improvements, managing budgets, and ensuring excellent customer-focused planning services. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams and stakeholders. And a deep understanding of local government regulations, statutory planning frameworks, and risk management.

The post will initially be offered for 6 months and the rate offered is up to £800/day Umbrella. This role is inside IR35.

Our client offers hybrid working, but this role will require significant In-Borough visibility.

Please get in touch for further details.