Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor junior staff in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Bassetlaw District Council, shaping ambitious developments in the region.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-32 days holiday, free healthcare, flexitime, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and infrastructure while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, RTPI membership, and significant planning experience required.
- Other info: Open application process; submit your CV early for consideration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our high-performing Planning Team and play a key role in shaping some of the most ambitious developments in the region. This is your opportunity to lead on complex strategic projects, nationally significant infrastructure proposals, and high-impact regeneration schemes. You’ll be responsible for progressing and assessing a range of major planning applications while mentoring junior staff, managing external consultants, and providing expert planning advice at all levels. You’ll also play a central role in community outreach and engagement around key developments—including transformative projects like new settlements and the Trent Valley Supercluster. This senior role requires a sound understanding of development management and the wider legislative and political landscape of planning. You’ll regularly act as the Council’s expert witness at public inquiries, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.
What you’ll bring:
- A degree or master’s in Town Planning and Chartered membership of the RTPI
- Significant experience within a local authority or consultancy, including managing complex planning applications with political or policy sensitivities
- Proven experience in managing external consultants and budgets
- Deep knowledge of the planning process, relevant legislation, and the interdependencies within Development Management
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with developers, communities, and elected members
- Ability to lead training and development of officers, and a commitment to ongoing CPD
- Confidently present evidence as an expert witness
- Possess strong project management skills, and be able to attend meetings outside normal office hours
- Have access to a car and a valid driving licence
We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more. We value the diversity of our people and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We maintain fair and well thought out recruitment processes at every stage to make sure that everyone is treated equally.
To apply please visit Jobs and careers | Bassetlaw District Council to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and achievements. Please note that the application process will require you to upload your CV. If you don’t have one to upload, you can download a CV template we’ve created to help you get started.
Closing date: OPEN. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your CV as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role. Interview date: To Be Confirmed.
Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) employer: Bassetlaw District Council
Contact Detail:
Bassetlaw District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in planning legislation and local policies. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly changing field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in local authorities or consultancy roles. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that align with the responsibilities of this role. Highlight your experience in community engagement and how you've successfully navigated complex planning applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or training experiences you've had. This is crucial as the role involves guiding junior staff and managing external consultants, so be ready to share examples.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in development management, particularly any roles where you've managed complex planning applications or worked with local authorities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline how your qualifications, such as your degree in Town Planning and RTPI membership, align with the job requirements. Emphasise your experience in managing external consultants and your ability to lead training and development.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully liaised with developers, communities, and elected members in past positions.
Highlight Project Management Experience: Detail your project management skills in your application. Mention any significant projects you've led, especially those involving community outreach or public inquiries, to demonstrate your capability in handling high-impact regeneration schemes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bassetlaw District Council
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep knowledge of the planning process and relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex planning applications or acted as an expert witness.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring junior staff and managing external consultants. Share instances where you've led teams or projects, focusing on how you developed others and ensured successful outcomes. This will show your capability to lead and inspire.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing community outreach and engagement strategies. Consider preparing a few key points about how you would approach these aspects in the role.
✨Prepare for Political Sensitivities
Given the political landscape surrounding planning, be ready to discuss how you've navigated policy sensitivities in previous roles. Think about challenges you've faced and how you addressed them, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in development management.
