Principal Development Management Officer

Our Strategic Development Management Team handles the largest, most complex and sometimes contentious planning applications/appeals that the council receives. Schemes include residential, commercial, mixed‑use, renewable energy and other projects, many of which are supported by Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs). Our allocated urban extensions are delivering high‑quality places, with further large‑scale developments being envisaged in our emerging Local Plan.

You will be acting as a case officer for a range of major applications, working with colleagues across technical specialisms and with external consultees, including community representatives, to understand, communicate, negotiate and make recommendations on the applications within your caseload. This interesting and varied work includes committee presentations as well as assembling and presenting the council's position at pre‑application and, potentially, appeal stages. You will be adept at identifying, assessing and balancing material considerations to reach an informed and balanced recommendation on each application.

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and flexible team player with an attention to detail and a can‑do attitude, to work within a solution‑focused project‑based environment. The major planning applications and other PPA‑supported schemes submitted in Huntingdonshire are varied. You will be the main point of contact for applicants, interested parties, internal stakeholders, external consultees and adjoining councils. The role is wide‑ranging and can include:

• Liaising with a diverse range of people and organisations, on all levels of seniority
• Organising and attending meetings with applicants, taking robust notes of discussions and proposing solutions that balance the often competing needs of a variety of stakeholders
• Analysing large volumes of information against guidance and legislation
• Attending site inspections, in‑person meetings and other liaison events
• Reviewing consultation responses and advising on an appropriate and robust approach for the council to adopt on a range of material considerations
• Assisting members of the public to understand and engage with an application
• Preparing reports, including recommendations to members
• Drafting letters and responding to emails
• Ensuring the milestones in a range of PPAs are delivered
• Deputising for the Team Leader (Strategic Team)
• Signing off on the recommendations of other officers, including on complex applications
• Presenting applications to committee members and answering their questions to support robust and properly‑informed committee decisions
• Reviewing and analysing recommendations made by colleagues on their caseload applications, signing off on both delegated decisions and committee recommendations
• Coordinating multi‑disciplinary teams and managing competing deadlines to deliver high‑quality outputs

Qualifications

• RTPI‑accredited degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible for membership
• Strong project‑management skills, with experience in leading complex planning projects from inception to decision
• Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and policy, including the Planning Act 2008, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations and the Localism Act
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, including working with local communities, developers, legal advisors and statutory consultees
• Ability to balance differing priorities and explain how those priorities interact when assessing the planning balance
• Experience of taking part at public inquiry (desirable but not essential)
• Experience with Planning Performance Agreements, using project tracking tools and digital planning systems
• Full, clean driving licence
• Right to work in the UK (HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship or take over sponsorship for any role)

About Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC)

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high‑quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. Situated within the heart of the Cambridge‑Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward‑thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision‑making. At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and, along with our values, we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work‑life balance.