Principal Planning Officer

Preston City Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Preston is seeking a motivated Principal Planning Officer to manage planning applications and lead an area team within the Development Management function. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and negotiation skills, along with in-depth knowledge of planning legislation. The role includes providing guidance to various stakeholders and attending Planning Committee hearings. This position offers competitive benefits, including flexible working, generous annual leave, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Flexi time

Hybrid working

Minimum of 30 days' annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted parking

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted bus and rail fares

Qualifications

• Experienced Town Planning professional.
• Extensive knowledge of current planning legislation, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead one of the area teams in delivering the Development Management function.
• Handle a caseload of applications and attend Planning Committee hearings.
• Provide guidance to officers, Members, and stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Knowledge of the planning system

Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines

Job description

Section

Development Management

Location

Town Hall

Salary

£49,282 to £50,269 per annum

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Permanent

Closing Date

23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 07 January 2026

Reference

DEDM01002-2-R

Principal Planning Officer

Permanent, Full Time – 37 hours per week

Salary : £49,282 – £50, 269 per annum

Development and Housing Directorate – Located in the heart of the Lancashire, Preston is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving cultural scene. We are seeking a well organised and motivated individual, who is an experienced Town Planning professional, to take up a Principal Planning Officer role with the Development Management Team.

The Principal Planning Officer will lead one of the area teams in Preston, delivering the Development Management function of the Planning Department. The role will involve handling a caseload of applications, attending Planning Committee and appeal hearings and inquiries and providing guidance to officers, Members and stakeholders. As such, you should have excellent communication and negotiation skills. The role will require you to have extensive knowledge and experience of the planning system as well as current planning legislation, policies and procedures. You will be able to act on your own initiative and have the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines.

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, cycle to work scheme and discounted bus and rail fares.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to International Sponsorship.