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- Tasks: Assess planning applications and provide expert advice to stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in local government planning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while enhancing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in Development Management required.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our client on a 12-month maternity cover contract. You will play a key role within the Development Management team, delivering high-quality planning decisions, supporting development control activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy. This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of approximately 1 day per week in the office, alongside regular site visits across the county (own vehicle required).
Key Responsibilities
- Process and assess planning applications, Listed Building applications, advertisement consents, notifications and consultations
- Prepare high-quality committee reports and recommendations
- Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders
- Undertake site visits and attend meetings as required
- Negotiate with developers to achieve positive planning outcomes aligned with Council objectives
- Assist with appeals, including preparation of statements, proofs of evidence, and attendance at hearings/inquiries
- Liaise with internal departments, external agencies, parish/town councils, and elected members
- Support mentoring and supervision of junior staff where required
- Contribute to service improvement and digital system development
Essential Requirements
- Degree or Diploma in Town and Country Planning (or related discipline)
- Significant experience within Development Management / Development Control
- Strong knowledge of planning legislation, procedures, and policy
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and report writing skills
- Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines under pressure
- IT proficient (Microsoft Office systems)
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits
- Basic DBS check required
Desirable Requirements
- Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Experience working with elected members and parish/town councils
- Strong legal/procedural planning knowledge
- Political awareness and stakeholder management experience
Additional Information
- Must be willing to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with RTPI requirements
- Flexible working required to meet service needs
- Role may involve occasional duties outside of core responsibilities consistent with grade
Principal Planning Officer in Tiverton employer: Recruitment Unlimited Ltd
Contact Detail:
Recruitment Unlimited Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Tiverton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in Development Management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated planning applications or negotiated with developers to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Be Prepared for Site Visits
Since this role involves site visits, be ready to discuss your approach to assessing sites and making recommendations. Bring along any relevant case studies or reports you've worked on to showcase your expertise and thought process.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Tiverton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planning Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in Development Management and any specific projects that showcase your skills in planning legislation and report writing.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your negotiation and communication skills have led to successful planning outcomes in the past. Use examples that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Be Professional Yet Personable: While we want to see your professional side, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. A friendly tone can make your application stand out, especially when discussing your approach to working with stakeholders and mentoring junior staff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Unlimited Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific laws or recent changes during your interview will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning scenarios, such as negotiating with developers or managing a complex application. Think of examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully advised applicants or collaborated with councils in the past. Clear, concise communication is key!
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Since the role requires IT proficiency, be ready to talk about your experience with Microsoft Office and any other relevant software. If you've contributed to digital system development, share those experiences to highlight your adaptability and tech-savviness.