Principal Planner

Essex County Council; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Essex is seeking a Principal Planner for a 6-month temporary role. You will lead on major planning applications, ensure compliance with policies, and engage with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should possess significant green belt experience, strong communication skills, and an ability to manage projects effectively. This position offers a competitive hourly rate and requires 1-2 days of on-site work per week, along with flexibility for site visits.

Qualifications

• Significant green belt experience.
• Capability of working independently.
• Full UK driving licence for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major planning applications.
• Build strong relationships with developers.
• Champion design excellence and policy compliance.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strategic problem-solving

Excellent communication

Self-motivated

Project management

Commitment to diversity

Education

Relevant degree in planning or a related field

Tools

Idox Uniform

Microsoft 365

Job description

Principal Planner

Castle Point Borough Council

Temporary, Full Time

Up to £55.00 ph (umbrella)

Location: Castle Point

Closing Date : 2nd January 2026

Why Castle Point?

Castle Point Borough Council is a statutory body responsible for employing nearly 350 staff, and delivering over 150 council services, both statutory and for the community's well-being and benefit. Castle Point Borough Council aims to provide high-quality and financially sustainable services while prioritising outstanding customer service, transparency in decision‑making, and promoting local democracy. Additionally, the council seeks to transform, modernise, and improve its performance, as well as support and enable the communities within its jurisdiction to be strong, healthy, and thriving.

Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus

The Opportunity

This is a temporary opportunity for an experienced Principal Planner who has significant green belt experience to join the team on a 6-month basis. Please note this role requires 1-2 days on site working per week. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll be at the forefront of planning and development, guiding and shaping developments.

You should be able to hit the ground running and be capable of working with minimum supervision, efficiently managing your workload and making a real contribution towards quality decision making.

We are entering an exciting period and need a committed and enthusiastic individual, who enjoys a challenge, to assist the Council in maintaining its reputation for high quality service and decision making.

Accountabilities

• Lead on major planning applications
• Champion design excellence and compliance with national and local policies
• Drive innovation in dealing with major planning applications
• Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders

The Experience You Will Bring

• Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion, influence, and relationship-building
• Ability to interpret complex data and provide strategic solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
• Self‑motivated with strong initiative and workload management
• Proficiency in IT systems, including Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365
• Advanced knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices
• Ability to manage projects and contribute to strategic planning
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer‑focused service
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits and evening meetings

Experience

• Significant experience working within a local planning authority or a relevant private sector planning business
• Proven track record of handling a varied caseload of planning applications
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Experience in developing and managing projects or programmes of work

Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

Castle Point Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please