Principal Planning Officer
CV-LibraryWest MidlandscontractPosted: 2 July 2026
Apply NowI 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
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