Principal Planning Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead major planning applications including sustainable urban extensions. The role requires proven experience in managing complex applications, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative approach to planning. The position offers a competitive salary up to £53,048 and comprehensive benefits including flexible working and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Generous annual leave (24–32 days) + 8 bank holidays + 1 concessionary day

Flexible & hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee benefits scheme

Health & wellbeing support

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex planning applications and appeals.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for place-making and sustainable development.
• The ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead officer for major, high-profile planning applications.
• Work within a holistic team of expert consultees.
• Deliver excellent planning outcomes.

Skills

Managing complex planning applications

Leadership

Communication skills

Place-making

Collaboration with stakeholders

Job description

Principal Planning Officer

Salary Up to £53,048 inc Market Factors

Are you ready to lead on some of the most exciting and ambitious planning projects in the country?

At Telford & Wrekin Council, we’re proud to be recognised by Planning magazine as a Gold Standard, top-performing planning authority—and we’re looking for a Principal Town Planner to help us go even further.

This is your chance to join a high-performing, award-winning Development Management Team that’s shaping the future of our borough through bold, sustainable growth and innovation.

Why This Role?

You’ll be the lead officer for major, high-profile planning applications, including sustainable urban extensions and strategic land allocations as part of our new Local Plan. You’ll work at the heart of a holistic, co-located team of expert consultees, all dedicated to delivering excellent planning outcomes.

We offer:

• A diverse and challenging caseload—from complex urban regeneration to greenfield development
• A strong scheme of delegation that empowers officers and supports responsive decision-making
• Close collaboration with elected members, engaging with the community and delivering real change

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience in managing complex planning applications and appeals
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A passion for place-making and sustainable development
• The ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and with stakeholders

What We Offer

• A competitive salary with a generous relocation package considered for exceptional candidates.
• Generous annual leave (24–32 days) + 8 bank holidays + 1 concessionary day
• Flexible & hybrid working to support your lifestyle
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Learning & development pathways to support your career
• Employee benefits scheme with discounts on shopping, travel, and more
• Health & wellbeing support, including counselling and EAP
• Free on-site parking
• A modern office in the heart of Telford Town Centre—surrounded by green space, leisure, and culture

For more information please contact [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

To apply please click on the 'apply button'.

Interviews will be held on 7th October 2025 at Southwater1, Telford Town Centre.

Please click on the links below to view the job description and person specification.

At Telford & Wrekin Council, we know that having a diverse workforce is key to providing the best possible services to our community. We celebrate having a diverse and inclusive culture where people are able to be themselves at work, and everyone has a voice.

Posts working with children or vulnerable groups will be subject to an appropriate criminal records check. It is an offence to apply for a role that involves engaging in regulated activity with children and adults in vulnerable circumstances if you are barred from working with one or both of these groups.

A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.

Find out further information about working at Telford & Wrekin Council including our full list of benefits.

Please note that Telford & Wrekin Council do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.

Attached documents

• Principal Planning Officer.docx