Job Description:

Job Title: Principal Planning Officer
Location: Hybrid (approx. 1 day per week office-based + site visits across the county)
Contract: 12-month maternity cover
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm)
Pay Rate: £42.00 per hour

About the Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our client on a 12-month maternity cover contract. You will play a key role within the Development Management team, delivering high-quality planning decisions, supporting development control activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of approximately 1 day per week in the office, alongside regular site visits across the county (own vehicle required).

Key Responsibilities

• Process and assess planning applications, Listed Building applications, advertisement consents, notifications and consultations
• Prepare high-quality committee reports and recommendations
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders
• Undertake site visits and attend meetings as required
• Negotiate with developers to achieve positive planning outcomes aligned with Council objectives
• Assist with appeals, including preparation of statements, proofs of evidence, and attendance at hearings/inquiries
• Liaise with internal departments, external agencies, parish/town councils, and elected members
• Support mentoring and supervision of junior staff where required
• Contribute to service improvement and digital system development

Essential Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Town and Country Planning (or related discipline)
• Significant experience within Development Management / Development Control
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, procedures, and policy
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and report writing skills
• Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines under pressure
• IT proficient (Microsoft Office systems)
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits
• Basic DBS check required

Desirable Requirements

• Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Experience working with elected members and parish/town councils
• Strong legal/procedural planning knowledge
• Political awareness and stakeholder management experience

Additional Information

• Must be willing to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with RTPI requirements
• Flexible working required to meet service needs
• Role may involve occasional duties outside of core responsibilities consistent with grade