Principal Planning Officer

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To support the delivery of a high-quality planning service by managing a complex caseload of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and ensuring applications are processed effectively in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice.

The postholder will be responsible for managing major and complex planning applications from pre-application discussions through to determination and post-decision stages. They will provide expert planning recommendations, lead on appeals, and work collaboratively with applicants, stakeholders, elected Members, and internal teams to deliver a customer-focused planning service.

The role will contribute to the effective delivery of strategic planning objectives by ensuring high standards of professional planning advice, decision-making, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an individual caseload of planning applications, including major and complex developments, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and effectively.
  


• Prepare high-quality planning assessments, reports, and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions.
  


• Lead and manage planning applications through all stages, including pre-application discussions, formal submissions, determination, and post-decision processes.
  


• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers, colleagues, Members, and other stakeholders.
  


• Assess proposals against national planning policy, local development plans, planning guidance, and other relevant material considerations.
  


• Coordinate consultations and engage with internal and external stakeholders to support effective decision-making.
  


• Negotiate with applicants and agents to achieve high-quality development outcomes and resolve planning issues.
  


• Lead on planning appeals, including preparing evidence, coordinating responses, and representing the Council where required.
  


• Support the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused planning service, ensuring applicants and stakeholders receive clear and timely advice.
  


• Identify opportunities for service improvements and contribute to the development of planning processes and procedures.
  


• Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to colleagues where appropriate.
  


• Ensure all planning work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, professional standards, and organisational policies.
  

Requirements

Experience

• Significant experience working within a local authority planning environment or similar planning service.
  


• Proven experience managing a complex planning caseload, including major applications.
  


• Experience preparing planning reports and presenting clear recommendations.
  


• Experience managing applications from pre-application stage through to determination and post-decision processes.
  


• Experience leading or supporting planning appeals.
  


• Experience engaging effectively with applicants, developers, consultees, elected Members, and other stakeholders.
  

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the planning system, legislation, national policy, and development management procedures.
  


• Ability to analyse complex development proposals and provide sound professional recommendations.
  


• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills with the ability to achieve positive planning outcomes.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and present planning matters effectively.
  


• Ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and a varied workload.
  


• Strong customer service focus with the ability to deliver a professional and responsive planning service.
  

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in town planning or a related discipline.
  


• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards professional membership desirable.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Local Authority Planning Service / Hybrid working arrangement
  


• Hours per week: Full time
  


• Bi-Weekly Payments