Principal Planning Officer

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority; Lewes, Durham; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead a dedicated team in preserving the stunning landscapes of a National Park. This role is perfect for an experienced planner who is passionate about sustainable development and conservation. You will manage a small caseload of high-profile planning applications while guiding a team to deliver effective solutions that balance community needs with environmental stewardship. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements and a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of one of Britain’s most beautiful regions!

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Employee discounts

Free parking

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Experienced planner with strong knowledge of planning legislation and procedures.
• Chartered Member of RTPI or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of planners and managing a development management service.
• Overseeing complex planning applications and negotiating design solutions.

Skills

Planning legislation knowledge

Problem-solving

Leadership

Negotiation skills

Design skills

Education

Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Tools

Planning software

Job description

Principal Planning Officer Advert wording
Salary: Up to £48,000 (£41,510 - £45,719 plus market rate supplement of £2,600)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week) - part-time working options considered
Location: Bainbridge (near Leyburn) or Grassington (near Skipton), North Yorkshire - with opportunities for hybrid working

Shape the future of one of Britain’s most stunning landscapes
Are you an experienced planner ready to step into a leadership role? Want to apply your skills in a breath-taking National Park where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand? If yes, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Join Us?
At the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, we use planning to protect one of the most iconic landscapes in Britain, while supporting local communities and businesses. You’ll be part of a team working in an area renowned for its rolling valleys, stone barns and walls, dramatic waterfalls, and historic villages – helping to preserve its beauty while enabling well-designed, sustainable development. We’re looking for a solution-focused leader with strong design skills and a passion for nature recovery, climate change, and sustainability.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Leading and managing a team of up to four planners, offering guidance, support, and supervision.
2. Overseeing a development management service covering half of the National Park.
3. Managing a small caseload of complex, high-profile planning applications.
4. Negotiating positive design solutions and using delegated powers to determine applications.
5. Contributing to team performance and deputising for the Head of Development Management when needed.

What We’re Looking For
You’ll:

1. Be an experienced development management planner, with a strong knowledge of planning legislation, procedures, and policy frameworks.
2. Be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards it.
3. Have a proactive, problem-solving approach to balancing conservation and development needs.
4. Have access to a car or alternative means of transport to meet the travel demands of the role.

What We Offer

1. Salary of up to £48,000
2. Generous annual leave, starting at 26 days plus bank holidays
3. Local Government pension scheme
4. Flexible working arrangements, including blended home and office working
5. Flexi-time scheme to support work-life balance
6. Employee discounts on various goods and services
7. Free parking at our offices
8. Relocation support (if applicable)

Join Our Team!
We’re committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria.

For an informal chat about the role, contact Richard Graham, Head of Development Management, on 01969 652302 or email [e-mail].
Closing date: 11pm on Monday, 21 April 2025. Anticipated interview date: Thursday, 1 May 2025.