Principal Planning Officer

Epping Forest District Council; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks

Hybrid working

Ongoing professional development

Flexible pay via Stream

Reimbursement of professional member­-

Job summary

Epping Forest District Council is inviting applications for a Principal Planning Officer within the Development Management Team of the Planning Directorate. The role operates on a hybrid basis with attendance required in the office one day a week (Thursday).

The council is pursuing a dynamic programme of growth and major development projects across the district, with opportunities to shape high-quality planning outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Principal Planning Officer or equivalent.
• Member of RTPI or eligible for full RTPI membership.
• Experience handling complex planning applications and major development projects.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development Management Service to deliver statutory planning functions and achieve strategic objectives.
• Negotiate planning proposals, prepare recommendations, and work with applicants, stakeholders and elected Members to secure optimal outcomes.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees, public inquiries and other formal proceedings; mentor junior colleagues and delegate duties where appropriate.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Planning knowledge

Education

RTPI membership (eligible or current)

Job description

Based in the Development Management Team within the Planning Directorate
Hybrid working with office attendance required one day a week (Thursday)
Epping Forest District is an exciting place to work in planning. With an adopted and up-to-date Local Plan, the Council is delivering a significant programme of growth, including major housing and employment allocations, strategic sites within the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, and a range of large-scale developments supported by comprehensive masterplans. This presents a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of the district and delivering high-quality sustainable development.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Planning Officer to play a leading role in delivering the Council's statutory planning functions and helping to achieve its strategic objectives.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious planning professional who is either a member of, or eligible for, full RTPI membership. The successful candidate will contribute to the continued success of the Development Management Service, ensuring high standards of performance, consistency and customer service while helping to deliver positive outcomes for communities across the district.
This is an excellent opportunity to work on a varied and challenging caseload of complex planning applications and major development projects. The role will involve all aspects of development management, including negotiating planning proposals, preparing recommendations, and working collaboratively with applicants, stakeholders and elected Members to secure the best possible development outcomes.
You will also have opportunities to support and mentor junior colleagues, undertake delegated management responsibilities, authorise planning decisions where appropriate and represent the Council at Planning Committees, public inquiries, hearings and other formal proceedings.
We are looking for someone who can deliver a high-quality and responsive planning service, demonstrate sound planning judgement, and embrace innovative approaches to service delivery. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, together with the ability to build effective relationships with developers, investors, consultees, elected Members and local communities.
If you are looking for an opportunity to play a key role in delivering major development projects and shaping the future of a growing district, we would like to hear from you.
Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Contractual hours: 36
Package:
LGPS pension scheme
28 days annual leave + bank holidays
Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks
Hybrid working
Ongoing professional development
Flexible pay via Stream
Reimbursement of professional membership