Principal Officer Planning

Nottingham City Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,777 - 44,075; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discounted memberships at local centres

Job summary

A local government authority in the East Midlands is looking for a Principal Planning Officer to manage planning applications and contribute to strategic goals. Candidates should have a degree in Town Planning, extensive planning experience, and knowledge of urban design principles. The role offers a competitive salary starting at £40,777, generous leave, and health benefits in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in planning, leading on major applications.
• Thorough knowledge of current development management practices.
• Experience applying placemaking principles in dense urban context.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of planning applications.
• Contribute to delivery of Nottingham’s strategic planning objectives.
• Shape strategic policies aligned with growth ambitions and sustainability goals.

Skills

Planning

Urban design

Sustainability principles

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Postgraduate qualification in urban planning or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Worker Type: Hybrid Worker

Salary: Starting Salary £40,777 (Level one) rising to £44,075 per annum (pro‑rated for part‑time) plus £5,000 p/a market supplement until August 2027

Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG

We have an exciting opportunity for talented individuals to join our workforce. Working for Nottingham City Council offers competitive pay, generous leave entitlement, a pension scheme and an inclusive culture.

About The Role

To actively and effectively promote the Council’s vision, values, aims, objectives and priorities, putting our citizens first through the delivery of best value services.

The Principal Planning Officer will manage a varied and complex caseload of planning applications, contribute to the delivery of Nottingham’s strategic planning objectives, oversee large‑scale development projects and shape strategic policies aligned with growth ambitions, sustainability goals and local community needs.

About You

• Degree in Town Planning or related field, accredited by the RTPI and postgraduate qualification in urban planning, environmental planning or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in planning, leading on a range of major applications.
• Thorough knowledge of current development management practice, legislative background, policy and procedural context.
• Knowledge of urban design and sustainability principles and extensive experience applying placemaking principles in dense urban context.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service) + bank holidays, option to buy additional leave annually.
• Generous defined benefit pension scheme offering 17.9%.
• Smart Working to support work‑life balance.
• Health and wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres, cinema, shopping and more.

Contact

For enquiries, contact Rob Percival, Planning Manager, telephone [phone] or email [e-mail].

Application

Closing Date: Sunday, 4th January 2026 at Midnight. Interviews will be held week commencing 12th January 2026.

By applying you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

EEO Statement

Nottingham City Council is committed to recruiting a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and with different abilities.

We particularly seek applicants from Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ community, and disabled groups.