Principal Planning Officer

East Herts District Council; Hertford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a progressive public sector organization as a Principal Planning Officer, where you will play a vital role in managing complex planning applications and supporting major development projects. This position offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the community by promoting sustainable development and protecting heritage assets. You will lead and mentor junior colleagues while overseeing all stages of the planning process. If you are passionate about planning and eager to contribute to the future of East Hertfordshire, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex planning applications and proposals.
• Knowledge of planning policies and legal obligations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex planning applications.
• Lead in master-planning and manage detailed approval applications.
• Present casework to decision-making committees.

Skills

Major Development Proposals

Planning Legal Obligations

Project Management

Communication at Committees

Mentoring Junior Colleagues

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

Postgraduate Qualification in Planning

Job description

Job Introduction

Are you a senior planning professional looking for a change? Could you thrive in a progressive public sector environment making a real difference to the residents of East Herts? Are you interested in supporting the delivery of one of the largest developments in the country?

If so, we’re looking for Principal Planning Officers to support exciting developments, including the Garden Town project at the Gilston Area and across East Hertfordshire, to meet the planning challenges of the 2020s and beyond.

This is a great opportunity for a planning professional with experience dealing with major development proposals to join our organisation, situated in a rich, diverse, and historic environment.

You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of unique new development sites in the district, helping us achieve sustainable development with active and sustainable travel as priorities, while protecting our heritage assets and conserving the natural environment. You will also support the creation of new habitats and opportunities for nature recovery, recreation, health, and wellbeing.

If you want to join us at the forefront of planning and become an innovator, designer, and environmentalist helping to plan a prosperous future for East Hertfordshire, then apply today!

Note: We also have posts in the strategic delivery team for other strategic and major development projects in our District Plan. We have a position available in the Gilston Planning Team managing the Gilston Area allocation for 10,000 homes and community infrastructure projects. Please specify in your application which post you are interested in.

In line with our pay policy, EHC will review the application of the Market Forces Supplement annually and will make adjustments as warranted, in liaison with affected staff.

The Role

As a Principal Planning Officer in the Strategic Applications Team, you will manage a caseload of complex planning applications, including pre-application submissions, focusing on development management.

As a Principal Planning Officer in the Gilston Planning Team, you will lead in master-planning and manage detailed approval applications.

Both roles will involve exercising delegated powers to determine applications, leading and mentoring junior colleagues, and adopting a project-managed approach to teams.

You will oversee all stages of the planning process, from initial assessment to committee reporting, legal agreements, conditions, and appeals.

You will stay updated with case law, policies, and community needs to ensure effective planning outcomes.

Additionally, you will:

• Present casework to decision-making committees and public meetings
• Respond promptly to customer needs
• Provide guidance, training, and support to team members

This role requires site visits and inspections within and beyond the district.

About You

To be considered, you will need:

• Experience with major development proposals
• Knowledge of planning legal obligations
• Project management experience
• Experience communicating planning issues at committees and public meetings
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues
• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (or equivalent)
• A valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and ability to travel across the district, sometimes at short notice

Other titles for this role may include Council Planning Officer, Senior Planning Coordinator, Environmental Planning Executive, or Planning Applications Officer.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion, contact Martin Plummer at 01992 532080 or Jenny Pierce at 01992 531624.

If you’re ready for a new challenge, please apply via the button shown.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. We believe inclusive environments lead to stronger collaboration and better outcomes.