Principal Planning Officer

Lambeth Council; London; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A London local authority is seeking a Principal Planner to lead strategic development proposals through the planning system. The ideal candidate will have an RTPI-recognized degree in Town Planning, alongside extensive experience in development management. This hybrid role offers competitive pay and a supportive working environment, emphasizing collaboration and equality.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounts at local restaurants

Learning and Development opportunities

Secure Bike Storage facilities

Qualifications

• Thorough and up to date knowledge of all relevant planning legislation, policies and procedures.
• Extensive background in development management.
• Significant experience leading on negotiating planning obligations.

Responsibilities

• Guide major and strategic development proposals through the planning system.
• Ensure a coordinated approach to planning and development.
• Advise Councillors, senior officers, and the public on planning applications.

Skills

Knowledge of planning legislation

People management

Collaboration in a planning context

Project management skills

Education

RTPI-recognised degree in Town Planning

Job description

Lambeth Agency Workers- Click here to apply

Principal Planner REF: 2230

Hybrid Working

PO5: £52,674 pa rising in annual increments to £55,710 pa inc LW.

The posts salary attracts a market supplement of 8.5% per month

Full Time - Permanent

About Us:

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth. To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose,’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were develop for staff by staff;Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. For more information, please have a look at our dedicated One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.

About the Borough:

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.

With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.

About the team

The Strategic Applications Team is part of the Development Management service. It provides an opportunity for a successful candidate to thrive and progress in their planning career, developing important skills on exciting and challenging strategic planning applications.

Lambeth is forward thinking in our approach towards equality, inclusivity and diversity. With a standard 35-hour week, we also pride ourselves on flexible working arrangements including flexitime and compressed hours. This means that we can help make the job work for you whilst supporting your long-term life goals.

The team believes in collaboration, growth, and development in your career. We are driven by a mission to be the best – this cascades from leadership to graduates. Every member is expected to maintain high standards and you will be supported to ensure that Lambeth keeps delivering world-class projects. We want everyone to build on the legacy of Lambeth’s heritage.

About the Role

Working as a Principal Planner in the Strategic Applications Team, you will guide major and strategic development proposals through the planning system including utilising Planning Performance Agreements and section 106 agreements, to ensure a co-ordinated approach to planning, development, inward investment, conservation of the environment, economic sustainability and regeneration.

The role requires extensive experience in development management, people management and collaborative working in a local planning authority context and a politically sensitive environment.You must have the ability to work independently and a thorough knowledge of existing and emerging planning legislation, policy and guidance relevant to a London borough.

We operate on a hybrid work model, providing employees greater flexibility and opportunity to work from home. Office working would be at our modern officesin the heart of the Brixton Town Centre, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Underground and Overground train stations.

We offer a market supplement payment for grades PO1 – PO7 of 8.5%. Lambeth also offers paid for RTPI subscriptions.

To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:

• Thorough and up to date knowledge of all relevant planning legislation, policies and procedures.
• An RTPI-recognised degree level qualification in Town Planning or equivalent
• Extensive background in development management, overseeing a diverse caseload of planning applications, including major and complex proposals and pre-application submissions.
• Significant experience of leading on negotiating planning obligations including affordable housing and viability matters.
• Experienced in advising Councillors, senior officers, developers, and the public on planning applications and presenting at committees and public forums.
• A focus on peopleand demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and solve problems
• Oversight and input into decision making and review of applications and advice.
• Experience in working under Planning Performance Agreements
• Demonstrated ability in project and time management

We especially encourage applications from people from underrepresented groups and while the role is open to all applicants, Lambeth will utilise thepositiveaction provisions of the Equality Act 2010 to appoint a candidate from underrepresented groups where there is a choice between two candidates of equal merit.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in hyperlink below:

Job Description and Person Specification

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jeff Holt on 0207 926 1194 or email [e-mail] or Shane Baker on 0207 926 1122 or email [e-mail] .

Recruitment Timelines:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 31 August 2025
Shortlisting: 1- 5 September 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 15 September 2025

Benefits:

We believe in rewarding our staff. When you join us, you'll gain access to a range of benefits, including:

• Participation in our 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women's.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 27 days, increasing to up to 35 days depending on length of service.
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid Working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
• Discounts at local restaurants.
• Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.
• Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Secure Bike Storage facilities at our Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Trade Union Membership.

How to Apply:

If you're interest in this opportunity, click on the apply button and complete an online application.

In your supporting statement, please clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an 'A' at shortlist stage. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV and personal statement.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. For a full list of our accreditations, please click here .