PRINCIPAL FORWARD PLANNING OFFICER

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Devon seeks an experienced Principal Forward Planning Officer for the preparation of a new Local Plan. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in local planning, policy writing, and coordinating with various stakeholders. This role offers the chance to contribute to the region's economic growth while tackling environmental challenges. Candidates should possess a Planning Degree and relevant professional membership.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in local plans and planning documents.
• Liaising with statutory consultees and local communities.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead role in preparing the Local Plan for economic growth.
• Coordinate projects to meet environmental goals.
• Engage with a range of stakeholders for feedback.

Skills

Preparation of local plans

Policy writing

Technical evidence development

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Innovative thinking

Education

Planning Degree

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Job description

PRINCIPAL FORWARD PLANNING OFFICER

GRADE I: SALARY: £42,839 to £46,142 per annum

Mid Devon District Council has started preparing a new Local Plan that will bring forward homes, jobs, community facilities and infrastructure to meet our needs while protecting a high quality natural environment. The Local Plan will have a key role in planning for economic growth, responding to the climate emergency and moving towards net‑zero carbon future.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning policy officer to take a lead role across a range of projects and help us plan for the future of the district through a reformed plan‑making system, working in an attractive rural area close to the city of Exeter and within easy reach of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, Blackdown Hills National Landscape and the north and south Devon coasts.

We are looking for someone who has significant experience in the preparation of local plans and other planning documents, including writing policies and identifying site options, developing technical evidence and studies (including procuring consultants), and liaising with other service areas in the Council and engagement with a range of stakeholders including statutory consultees and agencies, Town and Parish Councils and local communities. You will have a sound understanding of plan‑making legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework.

To be successful in this role you must have ambition to deliver amazing places, have a positive approach to challenges, problem solving, and the ability to use your initiative, be able to innovate and seek creative solutions to planning for new homes and jobs and securing the delivery of infrastructure.

You should hold a Planning Degree and have membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

For an informal discussion about the post, contact Tristan Peat, Forward Planning Team Leader on [phone].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 12 January 2026 - 5pm

PROPOSED DATE FOR INTERVIEW: w/c 26 January 2026

POST NUMBER: PF09

VACANCY REFERENCE NUMBER: 2025148

Committed to Equality of Opportunity, we welcome applications from all sections of the community