5309784 – Principal Development Management Officer Major Application

Job Details

Work Pattern: 37 hours per week,

PAYE Pay Rate: £21.65 per hour

Main Purpose of the Role

To lead the assessment and determination of major and complex planning applications, providing expert planning advice and guidance to developers, businesses, councillors and the public. The role involves supporting the Development Management Service, ensuring developments are lawful, sustainable and aligned with the Council’s Local Plan and planning policies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage major, complex and potentially controversial planning applications through the decision-making process.

  • Provide expert planning advice on residential, commercial, leisure, infrastructure, highways, minerals and waste developments.

  • Assess development proposals and prepare detailed planning reports, recommendations and decisions.

  • Advise developers, applicants, businesses, councillors and members of the public on planning matters.

  • Negotiate with developers and agents to achieve appropriate development outcomes and environmental benefits.

  • Represent the Council at public inquiries, planning hearings and committee meetings.

  • Present major planning applications and recommendations to Planning Committees.

  • Support the Development Management Lead in managing workloads, allocating resources and monitoring team performance.

  • Provide leadership, guidance and support to planning officers, helping to develop and motivate the team.

  • Ensure planning applications comply with relevant legislation, national guidance and local planning policies.

  • Manage statutory consultations and engage with local communities, external organisations and government agencies.

  • Negotiate Section 106 agreements and advise on planning obligations.

  • Support the development and review of planning policies, guidance notes and procedures.

  • Monitor budgets and ensure projects and service objectives are delivered effectively.

Essential Requirements

  • Degree or Diploma (or equivalent) in Town Planning or a related subject.

  • Must be a member of, or eligible for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

  • Significant professional experience in Development Management and Town Planning.

  • Extensive knowledge of planning legislation, policies, procedures and Local Plans.

  • Experience assessing and recommending decisions on major and complex planning applications.

  • Experience preparing detailed planning reports and recommendations.

  • Experience presenting evidence at public inquiries and planning hearings.

  • Strong knowledge of statutory consultation procedures.

  • Experience managing, motivating and developing staff.

  • Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

  • Excellent written communication, report writing and presentation skills.

  • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.

  • Politically aware, with experience working with councillors and senior stakeholders.

  • Full ability to travel around the Council’s area and flexibility to attend meetings outside normal working hours.