Principal Planner

Job title: Principal Planner (Development Management)

Hours : 37

Contract: Permanent

As a Principal Planner you’ll thrive on working with colleagues across the Council and beyond to make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll be joining one of the largest core city planning authorities in the country.

It’s not about rubber stamping planning submissions; the post presents an opportunity to shape development in Leeds, and to achieve high quality, sustainable development.

Leeds City Council is one of the biggest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

• An understanding of how planning can contribute to the delivery of high-quality sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable communities.
• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• In depth experience of working within a planning environment and specifically dealing with major, complex and / or sensitive schemes.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and demonstrate quality decision making in a timely manner.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver high quality outcomes.

About the role

The role involves working within one of our 5 Area Development Management teams, dealing with a mixed caseload of major and more complex planning applications, and providing pre-application advice to prospective applicants. You will liaise closely with colleagues in all areas of the Council, other authorities, public bodies and private organisations to deliver high quality services to Members, developers and the citizens of Leeds. You will line‑manage a small number of Planners/ Senior Planners to provide them with support and guidance.

The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model.

What we offer you

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact David Newbury, Group Manager on 0113 378 7990 or email

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job purpose To deal with a full range of planning proposals including major and complex schemes, mentor more junior staff and act as appoint of contact for a specific area aligned to an Area Plans Panel to a high standard to meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.

Responsibilities

• Take a lead role on pre‑application discussions and a project managed approach to planning proposals and decisions.
• Give appropriate and timely responses to customer enquiries on planning matters.
• Lead specific cases, projects and/or technical work including major and/or complex planning applications.
• Keep Elected Members, MPs and customers appropriately informed on planning matters and deliver a high level of customer care.
• Undertake work in connection with planning appeals including being the Council’s expert witness at major public inquiries.
• Attend and present items at Plans Panel, make recommendations and give planning advice to Elected Members.
• Represent the Council and/or Planning Services at public meetings, Plans Panel and in other public and/or political forums.
• Manage and play a key role in the development of staff within the workplace, including thorough undertaking of staff appraisals, training and mentoring.
• Manage and lead on specific projects and service improvements.
• Make good quality planning decisions for the Council in accordance with the scheme of delegation and ensure that officer reports are comprehensive, deal with all relevant considerations and are fit for purpose.
• Serve as a principal point of contact for an Area Panel, MP(s) and Ward Councillors and ensure the delivery of planning services to high standards to meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.
• Contribute to team development and support within Planning and Sustainable Development.
• Undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications

A recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. diploma or degree is essential.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to manage own workload effectively and demonstrate quality decision making in a timely manner.
• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Detailed knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• Understanding of how planning can contribute to the delivery of high quality sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable communities.
• Possess a recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. Diploma or Degree.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver high quality outcomes.
• In depth experience of working within a planning environment and specifically dealing with major, complex and / or sensitive schemes.

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• Ability to provide leadership, which empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
• Ability to manage workloads of team members and show leadership characteristics.

Job title: Principal Planner (Development Management)

Salary: Grade PO4 (£44,711 to £47,754 (pay award pending))

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six‑month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

#J-18808-Ljbffr