At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning applications and manage strategic development projects.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire Council, a leader in planning services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Access to training and career progression opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape communities and work on impactful projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; experience with major cases required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Join one of the largest planning services in the country! We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our Planning Services at North Yorkshire Council.
About the Team
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 focussed 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’ll lead on complex and strategic planning applications, ensuring high-quality outcomes that align with local and national policy. You’ll manage a varied caseload, provide expert advice, and represent the service at planning committees and public meetings.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Investigating and responding to planning-related complaints and queries.
Duties and responsibilities
- Act as case officer on complex planning applications with often competing material considerations and some controversial applications including associated appeals work.
- Project Manage strategic development sites in accordance with legislation, policies, and guidance.
- Undertake site inspections, attend site meetings including formal Committee Site Visits.
- Negotiate community benefits from development proposals through legal agreements in line with Council policies including section 106 obligations and/or Community Infrastructure Levy payments.
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.
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.
- Diverse and meaningful work: From domestic developments to nationally significant infrastructure, you’ll be at the heart of projects that shape our region.
- Supportive team culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
- Career development: We’re committed to helping you grow, with access to training, mentoring, and progression opportunities.
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@Northyorks.gov.uk
Principal Planner in Selby employer: North Yorkshire Council
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for those passionate about planning. With a commitment to employee growth through training and mentoring, alongside a generous benefits package including hybrid working and ample annual leave, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on diverse projects that shape local communities. Join us in a collaborative culture where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Selby
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from North Yorkshire Council who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Selby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at North Yorkshire Council!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to North Yorkshire Council. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire Council
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at North Yorkshire Council.