Principal Planning Officer in Hemel Hempstead

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job reference: REQ0002944

Application closing date: 09/09/2026

Salary: £48,111 to £54,778 per annum (Inclusive of London Fringe Weighting) (Plus £6,000 market forces supplement - subject to review)

Package: Generous holiday entitlement - outstanding 17.1% employer contribution pension scheme - flexible working patterns - car salary sacrifice scheme

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full time

Dacorum occupies an enviable location just outside the M25 and is home to the towns of Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring. Dacorum is an active and green place which is a centre of business, enterprise and ambition. As one of the busiest planning authorities in Hertfordshire, we deal with a diverse range of development proposals across our towns and villages, including major regeneration projects, strategic housing sites and applications within the Green Belt. This creates exciting opportunities for planners looking to work on complex and high-profile schemes that shape places and communities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering some of Dacorum's most significant planning projects and influencing the future growth of the area. The Council is progressing the Dacorum Local Plan to 2041 while also commencing work on the next Local Plan to 2045, creating a significant programme of development and investment opportunities across the borough. We are an innovative and ambitious planning service, committed to delivering high-quality development, excellent customer service and continuous improvement.

What is the opportunity? Are you self-motivated, flexible and passionate about delivering excellent services and driving positive change? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, inclusion and respect? We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management team. This is a key senior role within the service, leading on the assessment and delivery of major and strategic planning applications, Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), pre-application enquiries and associated legal agreements. You will work with developers, consultees, elected members and local communities to help deliver high-quality and sustainable development across the Borough.

You will:

• Lead on complex major and strategic planning applications from pre-application stage through to determination.
• Negotiate and manage Planning Performance Agreements and complex Section 106 agreements.
• Prepare and present reports to Development Management Committee and other meetings.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and public inquiries.
• Provide high-quality professional advice to councillors, applicants, residents and stakeholders.
• Support, mentor and develop Planning Officers and Lead Planning Officers.
• Contribute to service improvements and the ongoing development of a high-performing planning service.
• Assist the Development Management Manager with team leadership, delegated decision making and the supervision of staff as required.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a leading role in shaping the future of Dacorum through the delivery of sustainable, high-quality development.

The successful candidate must be driven, enthusiastic and reliable. Customer service, quality and efficient ways of working are our key priorities, alongside maintaining a positive, supportive and professional team culture. Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. The role will require attendance at meetings both within and outside normal working hours when necessary. A Basic check will be undertaken with the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure that the successful candidate has no relevant convictions.

The deadline for applications will be midnight on the closing date shown in the advert details.

The Council is going through a major change as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. This means that the district and borough councils in Hertfordshire will be replaced by a smaller number of new unitary councils. The aim is to make local government simpler and more efficient, improve services for residents, and bring decision-making closer to the communities we serve.

If you join Dacorum Borough Council between now and 31 March 2028, you will move to a new organisation on 1 April 2028. Your role will transfer to the new authority, but the way you work and who you report to may change. While this may be different from what you are used to, it is also a rare and exciting opportunity to join Dacorum at a time of real change. You will have the chance to help shape the future of local services and be part of building something new. The new unitary councils will create opportunities for innovation, growth, and better public services. They will offer a more joined-up and forward-looking working environment for employees. We are committed to supporting our staff and continuing to deliver high-quality services for residents throughout this change. Together, we are building a better future.