Principal Planning Officer

Wiltshire Council; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiltshire Council's Development Management Service is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead and manage strategic and complex planning projects, guiding community engagement and working with stakeholders to secure appropriate development.

You will report to a Planning Manager, oversee the work of junior officers, and ensure consistency with the Local Plan, Scheme of Delegation, and national planning policy. Our hybrid model combines on-site and flexible work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic and complex planning projects.
• Engage with communities and stakeholders to secure appropriate development.
• Report to a Planning Manager and sign off work for consistency with Local Plan.
• Provide innovative solutions to support sustainable development.
• Mentor and guide less experienced officers.

Job description

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview date: To be confirmed following shortlisting

Our Development Management Service plays a fundamental role in shaping the future of Wiltshire by determining planning applications for new developments. We support the council's business plan through encouraging new development, promoting economic growth and protecting and enhancing the environment for sustainable development.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will work at a level that leads and manages strategic and complex planning projects, enabling community engagement and working with stakeholders to secure appropriate development. You will report to a Planning Manager and be expected to deal with the most challenging and complex strategic planning applications. You will be expected to provide innovative and creative solutions to support sustainable development in line with Wiltshire's place-shaping objectives.

You will also lead and guide less experienced officers, including checking and signing off their work to ensure consistency with the Council's Local Plan, Scheme of Delegation and national planning policy.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer-facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.