Principal Planning Officer

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a busy Development Management service. This role is ideal for a senior planner with a strong background in large-scale residential development, particularly schemes of circa 100 dwellings or more.

• Location: Hybrid - Office attendance 1 day per week
• Contract: 3-month initial contract
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Rate: £45.00 per hour (Umbrella)

• Undertake all aspects of Development Management to ensure high-quality planning decisions are made in a timely manner and implemented in accordance with conditions.
• Manage a complex caseload of pre-application enquiries, planning applications, associated consents and appeals under the Town and Country Planning Acts and related legislation.
• Act as case officer on major and often controversial planning applications, including associated appeals.
• Project manage strategic development sites in line with legislation, policy and guidance.
• Provide professional planning advice to internal and external stakeholders, Members, and the public.
• Prepare and present reports and attend Planning Committees, hearings and other relevant meetings.
• Undertake site inspections, site meetings and formal Committee site visits.
• Allocate work in accordance with the Council's scheme of delegation and sign off decisions of other officers within the team.
• Deputise for the Development Manager/Team Leaders as required.
• Prepare appeal statements, proofs of evidence and statements of common ground, and appear as the Council's Planning Witness at Public Inquiries and Hearings when necessary.

• Significant experience working as a Principal or Senior Planning Officer within a local authority.
• Proven experience handling large-scale residential schemes (circa 100 units+).
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and Development Management processes.
• Experience attending Planning Committee and dealing with appeals.
• Ability to work independently and manage a complex workload.