Lead Planning Project Officer — Major Applications (Hybrid)

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Home working

Local government pension

Job summary

Dorset Council invites applications for a Lead Project Officer to help shape local place making and drive high‑quality design in major applications. You will work within the southern and western majors team, negotiating planning obligations and guiding pre‑application discussions with applicants.

You will mentor junior planning staff, present to committees, and represent the council at hearings and inquiries, contributing to a regeneration program across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in town planning, postgraduate qualification desirable.
• Post-qualification experience in planning (public or private sector).
• Chartered membership of RTPI desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shape local place making and drive high-quality design for major applications.
• Negotiate planning obligations and pre-application discussions.
• Present applications to planning committee and attend hearings/public inquiries.
• Mentor planning officers in fast-track teams and sign off applications.

Skills

Lead planning experience

Major applications handling

Mentoring

Presenting at committee

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in town planning

Postgraduate planning qualification

Job description

Dorset Council invites applications for a Lead Project Officer to help shape local place making and drive high‑quality design in major applications. You will work within the southern and western majors team, negotiating planning obligations and guiding pre‑application discussions with applicants.

You will mentor junior planning staff, present to committees, and represent the council at hearings and inquiries, contributing to a regeneration program across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell.