Principal Planning Officers in London

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is seeking motivated and enthusiastic Principal Planning Officers to join our dynamic Planning Service. We are recruiting to career‑graded posts (up to PO4) within our Development Management Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your planning career in one of London’s most distinctive boroughs—home to a World Heritage Site, historic town centres, the River Thames, and major regeneration areas including Woolwich, Charlton Riverside, and the Greenwich Peninsula.

You will manage a varied caseload of planning applications and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, sustainable development that supports our communities and aligns with our strategic priorities.

As a key member of our Development Management service, you will:

• Manage your own varied caseload, including complex and sensitive applications, and associated enforcement matters.
• Lead on planning appeals, including Public Inquiries, and represent the Council as an expert witness.
• Provide high‑quality pre‑application advice and clear guidance on planning legislation, policy and procedure.
• Present applications at Planning Committee and support officers you supervise in doing the same.
• Work collaboratively with applicants, agents, residents, Members and internal stakeholders to secure high‑quality development outcomes.
• Prepare robust, well‑written reports, statements and legal documentation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Planning Service, including policy development, service innovation and best‑practice initiatives.

At PO4 level, you will additionally:

• Lead on complex non‑major applications with minimal supervision.
• Oversee the quality and accuracy of delegated and committee reports across the team including making delegated decisions.
• Deputise for the Deputy Team Manager when required.
• Drive service improvements and ensure performance targets are met.
• Commission and manage external consultants (e.g., viability specialists).

You’ll bring:

• At least three years’ post‑qualification experience and eligibility for membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g., RTPI).
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, the NPPF, London Plan and local policy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A solution‑focused, creative and pragmatic approach to problem‑solving.
• The ability to manage your workload independently and work to changing deadlines.
• A commitment to delivering high‑quality customer‑focused services.
• Alignment with the Council’s values of public service, equality, respect and continuous improvement.

Working for the Royal Borough of Greenwich means:

• Being part of a borough with major growth areas, strategic regeneration sites and a diverse range of planning challenges.
• Opportunities for career progression through our structured Career Grade Scheme.
• A supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A strong commitment to professional development.

Diversity Statement: Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.