Principal Planning Officer

Colchester Borough Council; Ivy Chimneys; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks

Hybrid working

Professional development

Job summary

Epping Forest District Council is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead the Development Management Team in delivering high-quality planning decisions. Hybrid working with one day a week in the office (Thursday) supports flexible collaboration.

The role requires either RTPI membership or eligibility, along with a strong track record in complex planning applications and major developments. You will mentor staff, shape development outcomes and contribute to the district’s growth.

Qualifications

• Member of RTPI or eligible for full RTPI membership.
• Experience in planning and development management.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Council's statutory planning functions and contribute to strategic objectives.
• Lead in negotiating proposals, preparing recommendations and working with applicants, consultees and elected Members.
• Mentor junior colleagues and undertake delegated management responsibilities.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees, public inquiries and other formal proceedings.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership

Job description

All jobs at Epping Forest District Council are shown below, these can be filtered using the search criteria below.

Job profile for Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

location_on Hybrid - Home/Office 09/11/2026 Principal Planning Officer

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £54,181 - £57,132 Contractual hours 36 Basis Full time Region Epping Package LGPS pension scheme28 days annual leave + bank holidaysPerkbox discounts & wellbeing perksHybrid workingOngoing professional developmentFlexible pay via StreamReimbursement of professional membership Job category/type Permanent - Full Time Date posted 15/10/2026 Job reference EREQ000570 Attachments Principal Planning Officer - DM Team - Job Pack.pdf

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.

Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ