Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Principal Planning Officer

• Development Management - 2 Month Contract Local Authority | 2 Month Contract Location: Northallerton Rate: £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35) Contract: 2 Month Contract Hours: Full Time Working Pattern: 1 Day Per Week Office-Based | Site Visits Required Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary We are offering an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Principal Planning Officer to join our dynamic Local Authority Development Management team. The role is ideal for professionals with a proven track record in overseeing multiple large-scale residential projects, each comprising 100+ units, as well as handling intricate planning applications and appeals. The successful candidate will manage a diverse portfolio of significant planning applications, provide expert leadership, mentor team members, and contribute to delivering a top-tier development management service. This position requires office attendance one day a week and includes conducting site visits throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee a portfolio of major and complex planning applications and related appeals. Lead initiatives on large-scale residential and strategic development sites. Offer expert planning advice to officers, councillors, applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders. Manage major development proposals through the planning process.

Draft comprehensive planning reports, recommendations, and committee documents. Present applications at Planning Committees. Conduct site inspections, meetings, and committee site visits. Negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions. Prepare appeal statements, proofs of evidence, and statements of common ground.

Represent the Local Authority at Hearings, Public Inquiries, and related proceedings. Approve decisions prepared by other team members. Act as a deputy for Development Managers and Team Leaders when necessary. Mentor and support less experienced planning officers. Address complaints, inquiries, and Ombudsman investigations as needed.

Contribute to service enhancements and performance target achievements. Assist with Freedom of Information requests and planning-related correspondence. Essential Requirements Requirements: Degree, Postgraduate Qualification, or Master's Degree in Planning or a related field. Extensive Development Management experience within a Local Authority setting.

Proven experience in managing major residential planning applications, ideally projects of 100+ units. In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management procedures. Experience in handling planning appeals and complex planning casework. Proficiency in negotiating planning outcomes and developer contributions.

Experience in presenting applications at Planning Committees. Strong report-writing and communication skills. Ability to independently manage a demanding and varied caseload. Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills. Capability to conduct site visits and travel across the area. Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Chartered RTPI Membership (MRTPI). Previous supervisory or team leadership experience. Experience presenting evidence at Public Inquiries. Experience working within large and politically sensitive Local Authority environments. Experience in coaching and mentoring junior planning staff. Additional Office attendance required one day per week.

Site visits required across the authority area. Attendance at evening Planning Committees may be necessary. Politically restricted post. Opportunity to work on a wide range of major and strategic developments. What's on Offer? £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35) 2 Month Contract Bi-Weekly Pay Major Applications and Strategic Development Caseload Flexible Working Arrangement Opportunity to work on significant residential development schemes Supportive Development Management Team Potential Contract Extension This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a Principal Planning Officer, Senior Planning Officer, Major Applications Officer, Development Management Officer, Principal Planner, Planning Team Leader, Planning Manager, Development Control Officer, or Strategic Planning Officer.