At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and shape communities in North Yorkshire.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire Council, a dynamic and diverse unitary authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; experience with complex cases required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary: £47,181 - £51,356
Expires: 16/08/2026
Company: North Yorkshire Council
Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Job Type: Full Time
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Join one of England's newest and largest unitary authorities, responsible for delivering services across a unique and diverse area. Our Planning Service plays a vital role in supporting sustainable growth, protecting our outstanding natural environment, and helping create thriving communities.
We have office locations across several areas of the region and are looking for individuals based in each of these locations:
- East: Scarborough, Malton, Northallerton
- West: Richmond, Northallerton, Skipton, Harrogate
- South: Harrogate, Selby
If you have any questions, please contact John Worthington, Development Service Manager at John.Worthington@northyorks.gov.uk. Please note you do not need to apply multiple times; if you are interested in working in multiple locations, please put a note of this on your application form.
About the Team
Are you an experienced planner looking for an opportunity to work on significant, complex, and high-profile development proposals that genuinely shape communities and places? North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Services are at the heart of change, helping communities grow and thrive across one of the most diverse landscapes in the UK. As a team, we work on a diverse set of projects, from domestic through to national infrastructure – offering opportunities for staff to develop expertise and contribute to projects that shape our area.
If you are ambitious about your future in Planning, this is a great time to join us as we invest in building a world-class planning service, whilst being community-focused on a local level. We operate a hybrid model of working, offering the opportunity for our staff to work from home, but also from a base within your ‘patch’ to enable you to be fully immersed within the community in which you will provide your skills and expertise.
Role summary
As a Principal Planning Officer, you will be trusted to manage a varied portfolio of major and complex planning applications, guide strategic development projects, and influence decisions that will have a lasting impact on North Yorkshire's communities, economy, and environment. Planning experience is fundamental to success in this position. We are looking for someone who can confidently navigate complex planning issues, balance competing priorities, and provide professional planning advice at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading on major and strategically important planning applications.
- Manage complex development proposals from pre-application stage through to determination and appeal.
- Present reports and recommendations to Planning Committees.
- Acting as case officer for major and often high-profile planning applications and appeals.
- Project managing strategic development sites.
- Negotiating community benefits through Section 106 agreements and CIL.
- Providing expert planning advice to stakeholders and colleagues.
- Mentor and support colleagues, sharing your planning expertise across the service.
- Investigating and responding to planning-related complaints and queries.
Knowledge and Experience
- Degree, Post-Graduate Degree or master’s in planning or related subject.
- Eligible for Membership of RTPI.
- Evidence of working on major and complex cases.
- Able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of planning legislation and regulations.
- Ability to organise workloads and manage time/work to strict deadlines.
- The ability to work confidently within a political and stakeholder-rich environment.
- Experience supporting, mentoring or supervising planning colleagues.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid working with flexible working practices and hours, supported by effective technologies that enable you to work remotely.
- A generous annual leave offer; 28 days of holiday (pro-rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
- A generous pension through our Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Supportive team culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
Contact and Apply: Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of North Yorkshire’s communities. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact John Worthington, Development Service Manager at John.Worthington@northyorks.gov.uk or Nick Turpin, Development Service Manager at Nick.Turbin@northyorks.gov.uk.
Principal Planner (Full Time) in Northallerton employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
