Principal Planning Officer

Wiltshire Council; Trowbridge; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead a portfolio of complex minerals and waste development management projects. You will negotiate, influence and facilitate appropriate development, providing clear, timely professional advice on planning policy and proposals.

You will work with communities, developers and elected members to shape sustainable outcomes across Wiltshire, with hybrid working, a 37-hour week and a focus on delivering high-profile schemes.

Job description

Salary: £47,665 - £49,817 per annum

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview date: To be confirmed following shortlisting

Rolling advert: We are continuously reviewing and interviewing applicants weekly for this job posting. We will stop accepting applications when sufficient applications have been received.

Our Strategic Planning Service drives the council's planning framework, helping to deliver sustainable development across one of the country's largest local planning authority areas. As an established unitary authority, we can offer the following opportunity to develop your planning expertise and play a key role in shaping the future of a thriving county with so much to offer.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead and manage a portfolio of complex and strategic minerals and waste development management projects. Working collaboratively with communities, developers, elected members and key stakeholders, you will negotiate, influence and facilitate appropriate development, ensuring proposals align with planning policy, environmental objectives and community needs.

The role involves providing clear, timely and well-reasoned professional advice on planning policy and development proposals, including pre-application enquiries, environmental impact assessment opinions, and the determination of complex planning applications. You will also have opportunities to contribute to the ongoing monitoring, review and long-term management of minerals and waste sites, helping to secure sustainable outcomes across the county.

Whether you are an experienced minerals and waste planner or an accomplished development management practitioner seeking a new challenge, this role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile and often regionally significant proposals, contribute to sustainable development, and help shape the future management of mineral resources and waste infrastructure across Wiltshire.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Jason Day, Planning Manager (Minerals and Waste), [e-mail], 01225 770 315.

Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.

Application criteria

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.