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- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and lead negotiations for major developments.
- Company: Wandsworth Borough Council, a forward-looking authority in inner London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of London's communities and make a real impact on urban development.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field with RTPI membership or eligibility.
The predicted salary is between 48873 - 59220 ÂŁ 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 negotiation 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.
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Monday 11th May (23:59)
- Shortlisting – W/C 18th May
- Interviews – TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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 Council’s services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any 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 such appointments will be conditional upon receiving satisfactory police record checks via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits such as 40 days annual leave (including...
Principal Planning Officer in London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re genuinely interested in Wandsworth’s planning initiatives and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with complex applications.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll need to present reports and recommendations. Grab a friend or family member and run through your findings. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll shine 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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get that application in and let’s make some planning magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in London
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 planning service and the exciting projects in Wandsworth!
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 well-structured report, so demonstrate your ability to present information effectively right from your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with managing complex planning applications or leading negotiations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you’ve done before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨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
Since you'll be managing complex and controversial planning applications, think about potential scenarios you might face. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated tricky negotiations or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need to present reports and recommendations clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts on planning issues and get comfortable with public speaking. You might even want to rehearse with a friend or family member to build confidence before the big day.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be ready to discuss how you've worked positively across teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've engaged with stakeholders or local communities. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you're a good fit for their customer-focused planning service.