Principal Planning Officer

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Opus People Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead a busy local authority planning service on a 6-12 month contract. You will guide on high-profile, complex planning matters and support delivery of an excellent planning service.

The role requires MRTPI status, RTPI accreditation, and a full UK driving licence, with hybrid working and attendance at the office one day per week.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of town planning legislation, policy, decision-making processes and proposed planning reforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting in formal settings.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to support, coach and develop colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of large-scale and complex planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Provide clear, balanced and professional planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities.
• Lead on planning appeals, representing the Council at hearings and public inquiries where required.
• Negotiate planning obligations, including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to Planning Committee and other stakeholder meetings, ensuring robust and well-reasoned decision making.
• Make delegated planning decisions in line with policy and legislative requirements.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues, helping to maintain a consistent and high-quality planning service, including direct line management responsibilities.

Job description

Principal Planning Officer

£55 - £60 per hour (Umbrella)

6-12 Month Contract

Hybrid Working - Office Attendance Required 1 Day Per Week

We are currently seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a busy local authority planning service on an initial 6-12 month contract. This is a key role within the team, offering the opportunity to lead on high-profile and complex planning matters while supporting the continued delivery of an excellent planning service.

Key Requirements

• Postgraduate RTPI-accredited planning qualification.
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle.
• Ability to attend the office one day per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of large-scale and complex planning applications and pre‑application enquiries.
• Provide clear, balanced and professional planning advice to councillors, colleagues, developers and local communities.
• Lead on planning appeals, representing the Council at hearings and public inquiries where required.
• Negotiate planning obligations, including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to Planning Committee and other stakeholder meetings, ensuring robust and well‑reasoned decision making.
• Make delegated planning decisions in line with policy and legislative requirements.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues, helping to maintain a consistent and high‑quality planning service, including direct line management responsibilities.

About You

The successful candidate will possess:

• Extensive knowledge of town planning legislation, policy, decision‑making processes and proposed planning reforms.
• A degree in Planning or a related subject, alongside a postgraduate RTPI-accredited planning qualification.
• Chartered MRTPI status.
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting in formal settings.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to support, coach and develop colleagues.

All offers will be subject to satisfactory compliance screening, including right to work in the UK and references