RQ1792941 – Principal Planning Officer

Job Details

Work Pattern: 37 hours per week

PAYE Pay Rate: £39.59 per hour

Main Purpose of the Role

To manage and deliver a high-quality development management service, handling complex and major planning applications, pre-application enquiries, appeals and other planning consents. The role will ensure planning decisions are made in a timely, consistent and legally compliant manner, in line with planning legislation, Council policies and national guidance.

The post holder will provide professional planning advice, lead negotiations on major development proposals, represent the Council at Planning Committees and public inquiries, and support the development and performance of the wider planning team.

Key Responsibilities

Development Management and Planning Applications

  • Manage a varied caseload of planning applications, including major, complex and controversial development proposals.
  • Assess planning applications, pre-application enquiries, appeals and other consents under relevant planning legislation.
  • Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, elected Members, stakeholders and the public.
  • Undertake site inspections, attend site meetings and participate in formal Planning Committee site visits.
  • Ensure planning decisions are made in accordance with relevant legislation, local policies and national planning guidance.
  • Monitor planning conditions and ensure decisions are implemented appropriately.

Strategic Planning and Appeals

  • Project manage strategic development sites and complex planning proposals.
  • Lead negotiations with developers, applicants and agents to achieve appropriate planning outcomes.
  • Negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments, where applicable.
  • Prepare appeal statements, proofs of evidence and statements of common ground.
  • Represent the Council as a planning witness at public inquiries, hearings and other proceedings when required.
  • Attend Planning Committees and present reports and recommendations.

Team Leadership and Support

  • Allocate work in accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation.
  • Review and sign off planning decisions made by other officers within the team.
  • Provide professional guidance, coaching and mentoring to less experienced planning officers.
  • Support consistent application of planning policies, procedures and professional standards.
  • Deputise for Development Managers or Team Leaders when required.
  • Contribute to the development of team capability and continuous service improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Service

  • Build effective working relationships with elected Members, local communities, developers, agents and statutory consultees.
  • Represent Planning Services at public meetings, working groups and partnership meetings.
  • Respond to planning enquiries, complaints and concerns in accordance with Council procedures.
  • Assist with Ombudsman investigations and Freedom of Information requests where required.
  • Manage challenging situations professionally, using effective communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Performance, Compliance and Reporting

  • Contribute to meeting statutory planning deadlines, service performance indicators and customer service targets.
  • Prepare clear and accurate reports, briefing papers and recommendations for different audiences.
  • Maintain accurate planning records and use relevant IT systems in accordance with Council policies.
  • Keep up to date with planning legislation, regulations, policies and professional guidance.
  • Comply with the RTPI Code of Professional Conduct, data protection requirements, health and safety policies and equality legislation.
  • Support service improvement initiatives and promote efficient, customer-focused planning services.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Proven experience managing major, complex or contentious planning applications.
  • Strong knowledge of planning legislation, regulations, policies and development management procedures.
  • Experience negotiating planning proposals and working with developers, agents and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to assess planning applications, balance competing material considerations and make sound professional recommendations.
  • Experience preparing planning reports, appeal statements and other formal documentation.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities, organise workloads and meet strict deadlines.
  • Confidence working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Experience working within a complex organisational and political environment.
  • Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant planning systems.
  • Ability to provide professional guidance and support to colleagues.
  • Commitment to continuing professional development and maintaining up-to-date planning knowledge.

Qualifications and Professional Membership

  • Degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Planning or a related subject.
  • Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
  • Chartered Membership of the RTPI is desirable.