Principle Planning Officer

DN1 area · Hybrid · Two permanent posts
Salary £42,000–£46,579 plus a £4,440 market supplement (pro rata)

Lead some of the area’s most complex and high-profile planning applications. You’ll work on major residential, mixed-use, industrial and commercial schemes, including regeneration projects and proposals on sites allocated in the adopted Development Plan.

## The role

You’ll manage a caseload of around 15–20 major applications, taking schemes from pre-application discussions through to determination. You’ll work with colleagues across the clients teams, developers, elected members and local communities to secure high-quality design and deliver sustainable development.

Lead pre-application discussions, negotiate improvements to proposals and advise on Section 106 agreements, including when obligations take effect and how they’re implemented.

Assess complex proposals against local and national planning policy, write clear reports and present recommendations to Planning Committee.

Prepare and present evidence as the council’s expert witness in planning and enforcement appeals, including at hearings and inquiries as required.

Support planning enforcement, contribute to policy reviews and help test emerging digital planning tools.

Mentor junior colleagues and support their professional development. The role carries no line management responsibility.

## About you

You’ll need an RTPI-accredited degree or equivalent, a full driving licence and substantial Development Management experience. You’ll have managed complex major applications within statutory timescales, negotiated Section 106 agreements, presented to planning committees and defended council decisions at appeal.
You’ll be able to explain complex planning issues clearly in reports and in person, give practical advice to a range of stakeholders and manage your own workload. Experience of hearings and inquiries is desirable. A master’s in town planning is preferred. RTPI membership or a willingness to work towards it, alongside evidence of continuing professional development, is desirable.

## Working arrangements and benefits

Hybrid working includes time in the office, site visits and attendance at team and committee meetings as required. Benefits include competitive annual leave, a local government pension, wellbeing support, staff discounts and professional development opportunities, including funding for CPD