Principal Planner (Mass Transit)

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking local authority in Leeds is seeking a Planning Officer to support the Mass Transit scheme. You will manage planning processes, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to high-quality urban development. The ideal candidate has a recognised qualification in Planning and experience with complex schemes, along with strong leadership skills. Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave entitlement

Pension fund membership

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to manage workloads effectively.
• In-depth experience in a planning environment.
• Understanding of how planning contributes to sustainable development.

Responsibilities

• Lead on pre-application discussions and planning proposals.
• Draft planning conditions to ensure compliance.
• Represent the Council at public inquiries and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Knowledge of statutory framework

Decision making

Influencing outcomes

Negotiation skills

Education

Recognised qualification in Planning or related discipline

Job description

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is delivering a transformative Mass Transit scheme to connect communities, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the region. As a key partner, Leeds City Council is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Planning Officer within the Planning and Sustainable Development team to collaborate effectively with internal colleagues and external partners, providing expert guidance to support the successful delivery of a major infrastructure project in the city. This role offers a unique opportunity to support on development management matters related to the delivery of the Mass Transit scheme. You will play a key role in ensuring a high-quality outcome through planning, stakeholder engagement and statutory processes, including the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and representation at public inquiries. As a Principal Planner, you will play a key role in assessing, managing and advising on the impacts of the Mass Transit system to ensure they align with local and national planning policies, including environmental and design standards. This is a unique opportunity to apply your planning expertise within a forward-thinking local authority, where your insights will directly shape the future of the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contributing to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO), and representing the organisation in formal proceedings such as public inquiries.
• Leading on pre‑application discussions and a project‑managed approach to planning proposals and decisions.
• Drafting robust planning conditions relevant to the project to ensure compliance with relevant planning policies and guidance, dealing with a full range of planning proposals including major and complex schemes, mentoring more junior staff and acting as appoint of contact for a specific area aligned to an Area Committee to a high standard to meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.
• Providing appropriate and timely responses to customer enquiries on planning matters.
• Taking the lead role on specific cases, projects and/or technical work including major and/or complex planning applications.
• Keeping elected members, MPs and customers appropriately informed on planning matters and delivering a high level of customer care.
• Undertaking work in connection with planning appeals, including acting as the Council's expert witness at major public inquiries.
• Attending and presenting items at Plans Panel, making recommendations and giving planning advice to elected members.
• Representing the Council and/or Planning Services at public meetings, Plans Panel and other public and/or political forums.
• Managing and playing a key role in staff development within the workplace, including thorough staff appraisals, training and mentoring.
• Managing and leading on specific projects and service improvements.
• Making good quality planning decisions for the Council in accordance with the scheme of delegations and ensuring that officer reports are comprehensive, dealing with all relevant considerations and are fit for purpose.
• Being a principal point of contact for an Area Committee, MP(s) and ward councillors and ensuring the delivery of planning services to high standards to meet performance targets within a culture of proactive development management.
• Contributing to team development and support within Planning Services.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. diploma or degree.
• The ability to provide leadership, which empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
• Detailed knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• The ability to make good quality planning decisions for the Council in accordance with the scheme of delegations and to ensure that officer reports are comprehensive, dealing with all relevant considerations and are fit for purpose.
• In‑depth experience of working within a planning environment and specifically dealing with major, complex and/or sensitive schemes. Experience in managing or contributing to strategic transport‑related projects would be considered an advantage.
• This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
• A relevant qualification (e.g. Town Planning diploma or degree, or specialist degree relevant to the job) is essential.

Person Specification

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following: Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to provide leadership, which empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and demonstrate quality decision making in a timely manner.
• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to manage workloads of team members and show leadership characteristics.
• Detailed knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• Understanding of how planning can contribute to the delivery of high quality sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable communities.
• Possess a recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline e.g. Diploma or Degree.
• In depth experience of working within a planning environment and specifically dealing with major, complex and/or sensitive schemes.
• Achievement of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery and an understanding of the Leeds City Council's equality policy.
• Willing to take personal responsibility for and abide by the Council's Health and Safety Policy.
• Awareness of and an ability to respect the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
• Conscientious and committed approach towards completing tasks accurately and to deadlines to achieve service objectives.
• Commitment to own personal development and learning.

Desirable Requirements

• Ability to provide leadership, which empowers colleagues and staff to achieve results.
• Ability to express concepts effectively in graphical form.
• Understanding of the legal frameworks of the town and country planning system.
• Experience of developing and contributing to partnerships involving various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Benefits

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.