Principal Planning Officer Development Management

Wokingham Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking a motivated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join their Planning team. This full-time, permanent position involves managing complex projects, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with planning regulations. The role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including generous annual leave and a local government pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual leave of 31 days, increasing to 36 days after 5 years

Participation in a local government pension scheme

24/7 employee assistance and wellbeing support

Local & lifestyle discounts

Free onsite gym at Shute End

Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and cycles

Qualifications

• Experience with major development schemes and infrastructure.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Commitment to delivering housing, services, and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders and the public, including at meetings.
• Project manage complex projects within deadlines.
• Lead witnesses at planning appeals and defend the council’s development plans.
• Supervise planning interns, providing training and work plans.
• Ensure statutory compliance within guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Planning

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated and experienced Principal Planning Officer, to join us as a key member of the Planning team at Wokingham Borough Council on a full-time, permanent basis.

About Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council is an ambitious and dynamic organisation with a highly regarded approach to planning and delivering growth, including significant projects such as Shinfield Studios, the British Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Development Strategy

The Core Strategy and Supplementary Planning Documents identified four Strategic Development Locations to accommodate the majority of the 13,000 planned homes up to 2026. The borough continues to develop, with a new local plan (the Local Plan Update) for submission, outlining a strategy until 2040, including a new Garden Village.

Benefits

Joining our team offers numerous benefits, including:

• Annual leave of 31 days, increasing to 36 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Participation in a local government pension scheme
• 24/7 employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Local & lifestyle discounts
• Free onsite gym at Shute End
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and cycles

Key Responsibilities

1. Engage with stakeholders and the public, including at meetings
2. Project manage complex projects within deadlines
3. Lead witnesses at planning appeals and defend the council’s development plans
4. Supervise planning interns, providing training and work plans
5. Ensure statutory compliance within guidelines

Candidate Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in Planning, with RTPI accreditation
• Experience with major development schemes and infrastructure
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Commitment to delivering housing, services, and infrastructure

About Wokingham

Located in Berkshire, our area offers excellent transport links, a vibrant community, high-quality schools, and a thriving local economy, providing an exceptional quality of life.

Application Process

If interested, apply via the link below. For informal discussions, contact Connor Corrigan, Head of Strategic Development, at [e-mail].

Closing date: Sunday 15th June 2025, 11pm

Interview date: TBC

We review applications daily and may close the advert early if suitable candidates are found. Shortlisted candidates will need to provide proof of right to work in the UK and pass pre-employment checks. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We are an equal opportunities employer.