Principal Planning Officer – Development Management
CV-LibrarySouth EastcontractPosted: 18 June 2026
Apply NowPrincipal Planning Officer – Development Management (Major Applications/PPA)
South East England | Remote (with site visits) | 6-Month Rolling Contract | Inside IR35
We are currently supporting a Local Authority in the South East of England seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to provide specialist support within their Development Management function, with a particular focus on strategic major applications and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
This role requires an individual who can hit the ground running, confidently managing a complex caseload of large-scale applications while operating within a fast-paced local authority environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the assessment and determination of major planning applications, including complex and strategic schemes
* Manage multiple major applications concurrently, ensuring delivery within statutory timeframes and PPA milestones
* Undertake site inspections and provide professional planning advice informed by site context
* Prepare and present high-quality officer reports, recommendations, and planning justifications
* Engage with key stakeholders including developers, consultants, elected members, and statutory consultees
* Support and advise on Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), ensuring effective programme management and delivery
* Contribute to appeals, committees, and hearings where required
Candidate Requirements
* Minimum 7+ years’ experience within Development Management
* Proven track record of managing large-scale major planning applications within a Local Authority setting
* Strong working knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy frameworks, and decision-making processes
* Experience operating within PPA frameworks and managing complex stakeholder relationships
* Ability to manage a high-volume, complex caseload autonomously
* RTPI accredited (or working towards) – desirable
Working Arrangements
* £55–£62 per hour (Inside IR35)
* 6-month rolling contract
* Predominantly remote working, with occasional site visits as required
* Immediate start available
South East England | Remote (with site visits) | 6-Month Rolling Contract | Inside IR35
We are currently supporting a Local Authority in the South East of England seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to provide specialist support within their Development Management function, with a particular focus on strategic major applications and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
This role requires an individual who can hit the ground running, confidently managing a complex caseload of large-scale applications while operating within a fast-paced local authority environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the assessment and determination of major planning applications, including complex and strategic schemes
* Manage multiple major applications concurrently, ensuring delivery within statutory timeframes and PPA milestones
* Undertake site inspections and provide professional planning advice informed by site context
* Prepare and present high-quality officer reports, recommendations, and planning justifications
* Engage with key stakeholders including developers, consultants, elected members, and statutory consultees
* Support and advise on Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), ensuring effective programme management and delivery
* Contribute to appeals, committees, and hearings where required
Candidate Requirements
* Minimum 7+ years’ experience within Development Management
* Proven track record of managing large-scale major planning applications within a Local Authority setting
* Strong working knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy frameworks, and decision-making processes
* Experience operating within PPA frameworks and managing complex stakeholder relationships
* Ability to manage a high-volume, complex caseload autonomously
* RTPI accredited (or working towards) – desirable
Working Arrangements
* £55–£62 per hour (Inside IR35)
* 6-month rolling contract
* Predominantly remote working, with occasional site visits as required
* Immediate start available