Principal Planning Officer

Wiltshire Council; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead and manage strategic planning projects, engage with communities and stakeholders, and ensure development aligns with place-shaping objectives. You will guide less experienced officers, check work for consistency with the Local Plan and national policy, and report to a Planning Manager.

The role emphasizes innovative solutions for sustainable development, with a commitment to equality and inclusion. Hybrid working model applies.

Job description

Salary: £47,665 - £49,817 per annum

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.

Contact details

Victoria Davis, Planning Manager (Development Management), at [e-mail], or call 01249 706 673.

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.