Principal Planning Officer

I am currently working with a Local Authority in the South of England who are looking for at least 2 Principal Planning Officers on an initial 6 month interim basis.

The Role

• Manage a varied caseload of planning applications, including householder, minor, small major and complex strategic developments.
• Assess planning applications against local and national planning policy.
• Deal with highly controversial, politically sensitive and complex planning applications.
• Support the Council on a range of major developments across the District.
• Assist with Development Consent Order (DCO) applications where appropriate.
• Contribute to the implementation of planning service improvements and best practice initiatives.
• Prepare clear and well-reasoned delegated and committee reports.
• Provide pre-application advice to applicants, agents and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with consultees and internal departments throughout the planning process.
• Attend Planning Committee meetings and present recommendations where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Planning and other Council services to deliver high-quality planning outcomes.

About You

• Previous Development Management experience within a UK local authority.
• Significant experience dealing with both urban and rural development proposals.
• Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload with minimal supervision.
• Experience handling politically sensitive and contentious planning applications.
• Strong analytical, report writing and decision-making skills.
• Experience preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations.
• Experience working on Development Consent Order (DCO) applications is highly desirable, although candidates without DCO experience will also be considered.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• RTPI membership, or working towards membership, is desirable

If this could be of interest please send across your CV to my email!