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- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and lead negotiations to shape London's housing needs.
- Company: Wandsworth Borough Council, a forward-looking authority committed to sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and historic environments in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field with RTPI membership or eligibility.
The predicted salary is between 48873 - 59220 £ per year.
Wandsworth’s planning service is busy, forward-looking and committed to delivering high-quality design, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for local communities and historic built environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Principal planner looking to further develop their career within a high-performing inner London authority.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the Strategic Development Team in the Planning Service of the Growth & Place Directorate at Wandsworth Borough Council. You will work within this highly regarded team with a variety of high profile planning work in the Battersea Nine Elms Opportunity Area. Ongoing developments include the Battersea Power Station site, the New Covent Garden sites and many other schemes. The Team also covers large-scale sites regeneration projects in the York Road/Winstanley Estate near Clapham Junction and the Alton Estate in Roehampton.
About the role
- Managing a caseload of complex and controversial planning applications shaping a major reservoir of London’s housing needs
- Leading on pre-application discussions and negotiations with applicants and agents
- Negotiating effectively on schemes, section 106 agreements and Planning Performance Agreements
- Preparing high-quality reports and presenting recommendations to Planning Committee
- Working closely with internal colleagues, Members, local communities and external stakeholders
- Contributing to a responsive, customer-focused planning service that meets agreed timeframes
- Representing the Council in planning appeals (although infrequent occurrence)
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- A degree in planning or a related discipline, with RTPI membership or eligibility for full membership
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex and controversial planning applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking
- The ability to lead on negotiations effectively and make sound planning judgements under pressure
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work positively across teams and disciplines
The role would provide an opportunity to make a difference in shaping the environment and place-making in Nine Elms and to advance career development.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Monday 11th May (23:59)
- Shortlisting – W/C 18th May
- Interviews – TBC
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Principal Planning Officer employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wandsworth’s recent projects and planning initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the community and its development. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll need to present reports and recommendations confidently. Grab a friend or family member and run through your presentation style. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform in front of the Planning Committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Wandsworth. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Principal Planning Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team in Wandsworth, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We love a good narrative, so feel free to share your experiences in managing complex planning applications and how you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders.
Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit: This role requires a collaborative approach, so make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked positively across teams or with local communities. We’re all about teamwork at StudySmarter, and we want to see how you fit into that culture!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and local policies, especially those relevant to Wandsworth. Familiarise yourself with the Battersea Nine Elms Opportunity Area and any recent developments in the area. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the community.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you've managed complex and controversial planning applications in the past. Think of specific examples where you led negotiations or made sound planning judgements under pressure. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the position.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mock report or presentation to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively, as this is crucial for preparing high-quality reports and recommendations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires a collaborative approach, so think about times when you've worked positively across teams or with external stakeholders. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview to highlight your ability to contribute to a responsive, customer-focused planning service.