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- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and lead negotiations for exciting urban development projects.
- Company: Wandsworth Borough Council, a forward-thinking authority focused on sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Shape the future of London while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field with experience in managing planning applications.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a positive impact in local communities.
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
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.
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 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 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: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council 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 us you’re genuinely interested in the role by discussing how your skills can contribute to their ongoing developments, like the Battersea Power Station site. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and objectives.
✨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 key points. The more comfortable you are speaking, the better you’ll come across in interviews.
✨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 your application in early and stand out from the crowd!
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 planning service and the exciting projects in Wandsworth!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on managing complex planning applications and any negotiations you've led. We love seeing examples of how you've made sound planning judgements under pressure, so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key for this role, so ensure your application is clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured reports and recommendations, so think of your application as a mini-report showcasing your abilities.
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 through our website as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨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 recent developments in the area, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Since you'll be managing complex and controversial planning applications, think about past experiences where you've navigated tricky situations. Be ready to discuss how you handled negotiations and made sound planning judgements under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need excellent written and verbal communication skills. Prepare to present a mock report or recommendation during the interview, demonstrating your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your collaborative approach by sharing examples of how you've worked positively across teams and with various stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss how you build relationships and foster teamwork in planning projects.