Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

£55 - £60 per hour (Umbrella)
6-12 Month Contract
Hybrid Working - Office Attendance Required 1 Day Per Week

We are currently seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a busy local authority planning service on an initial 6-12 month contract. This is a key role within the team, offering the opportunity to lead on high-profile and complex planning matters while supporting the continued delivery of an excellent planning service.

Key Requirements

• Postgraduate RTPI-accredited planning qualification.
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle.
• Ability to attend the office one day per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of large-scale and complex planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide clear, balanced and professional planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities.
• Lead on planning appeals, representing the Council at hearings and public inquiries where required.
• Negotiate planning obligations, including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to Planning Committee and other stakeholder meetings, ensuring robust and well-reasoned decision making.
• Make delegated planning decisions in line with policy and legislative requirements.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues, helping to maintain a consistent and high-quality planning service, including direct line management responsibilities.

About You

The successful candidate will possess:

• Extensive knowledge of town planning legislation, policy, decision-making processes and proposed planning reforms.
• A degree in Planning or a related subject, alongside a postgraduate RTPI-accredited planning qualification.
• Chartered MRTPI status.
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting in formal settings.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to support, coach and develop colleagues.

If you are an experienced planning professional looking for your next interim opportunity, we'd be keen to hear from you.

All offers will be subject to satisfactory compliance screening, including right to work in the UK and references.