At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and provide expert advice on major development proposals.
- Company: Local authority focused on effective development management.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and enhance your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; RTPI membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To support the delivery of an effective Development Management service by managing a varied caseload of planning applications, with a particular focus on major and complex development proposals. The Principal Planning Officer will provide professional planning advice, lead negotiations with applicants and stakeholders, contribute to planning policy and regeneration objectives, and support the Team Leader Major Development in achieving high-quality, customer-focused planning outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of planning applications, with specific responsibility for major, complex, and high-profile development proposals.
- Provide pre-application advice to applicants, developers, and professional agents on major development schemes.
- Undertake site inspections, surveys, research, and assessments relating to development proposals.
- Lead consultations with stakeholders including statutory consultees, elected members, community groups, Town and Parish Councils, and members of the public.
- Lead negotiations with applicants and agents, including negotiations relating to Section 106 Agreements.
- Prepare detailed reports, recommendations, appeal statements, and committee reports based on planning legislation, policy, and professional judgement.
- Present planning applications and related matters at Planning and Regulatory Committee meetings.
- Lead Development Teams for major applications and Planning Performance Agreements, providing project feedback where required.
- Prepare planning appeal evidence and represent the Council at Public Inquiries, Informal Hearings, and Written Representation appeals.
- Appear as a witness for the Council in Magistrates’ and Crown Court proceedings where necessary.
- Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on complex planning and development management issues.
- Liaise with planning enforcement teams regarding investigations and enforcement cases.
- Work collaboratively with other Council departments regarding development opportunities on Council-owned and other land.
- Support the Team Leader Major Development and deputise where required.
- Assist in project management, staff supervision, mentoring, and the professional development of team members.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and ensure high standards of customer service delivery.
Requirements
- Degree in Town and Country Planning or a related subject.
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for membership.
- Substantial recent experience in Development Management, including handling complex planning applications and appeals.
- Strong knowledge of current planning legislation, policy, and guidance relating to development management.
- Experience preparing and presenting committee reports and appeal evidence.
- Excellent analytical, report writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Experience leading negotiations relating to major developments and Section 106 Agreements.
- Ability to manage complex workloads and meet deadlines effectively.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting staff development is desirable.
- Knowledge of specialist planning software and strong ICT skills.
- Mobility across the Borough as required.
Additional Information
- Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire
- Hours per Week: 37
- Payment: Bi-Weekly Payments
- This role is Hybrid Working
Principal Planning Officer in Loughborough employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
As a Principal Planning Officer with our local authority in Loughborough, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality planning services that shape the community. We offer a supportive work culture that values professional development and collaboration, providing opportunities for mentorship and growth within a hybrid working environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact on major development proposals while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work schedule and a commitment to continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Loughborough
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning field! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning applications and negotiations. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the local authority’s recent projects and challenges they face. We want you to come across as knowledgeable and genuinely interested in their work, so prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Planning Officer role! We streamline the process and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to support you along the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with major and complex planning applications. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share specific examples of successful projects or negotiations you've led. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your previous roles and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on current planning legislation and policies relevant to development management. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to tackle complex applications head-on.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would lead consultations with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully engaged with community groups or local councils, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Report Writing Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in preparing detailed reports and committee presentations. Bring along samples if possible, and be prepared to explain your thought process and how you ensure clarity and compliance with planning policies.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
If you have experience supervising or mentoring team members, make sure to highlight this. Discuss how you’ve contributed to their professional development and how you can bring that same support to the team at the local authority.
