Lead Major Development Planner – Hybrid

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications. You will secure PPAs, negotiate planning obligations, and collaborate with developers, agents and communities to deliver high-quality outcomes.

You will represent the Council at appeals and inquiries, advise elected members, and mentor junior staff while supporting service improvement and performance in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Experience handling major or complex planning applications.
• Strong understanding of planning policy and development processes.
• Highly organised with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and elected members.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications.
• Secure and lead Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
• Negotiate S106 agreements and planning obligations.
• Collaborate with developers, agents, stakeholders and local communities.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries.
• Advise elected members and committees; mentor junior colleagues.
• Contribute to service improvement and performance.

Skills

Major development management

Major and complex planning

Planning policy & process

Project leadership

Negotiation & persuasion

Stakeholder engagement

Appeals/hearings/inquiries

Team mentoring

Education

RTPI membership eligibility

Job description

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications. You will secure PPAs, negotiate planning obligations, and collaborate with developers, agents and communities to deliver high-quality outcomes.

You will represent the Council at appeals and inquiries, advise elected members, and mentor junior staff while supporting service improvement and performance in a hybrid working environment.