Principal Planning Officer

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wakefield is seeking a Principal Planning Officer (Major Projects) to lead on significant planning applications and support strategic regeneration initiatives. The role involves project management, providing pre-application advice, and preparing reports for committees. Candidates should possess a relevant professional qualification and demonstrate strong leadership qualities. A mix of office and home working is available.

Benefits

Discounted public transport

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Discounted leisure facility membership

Cycle to work scheme

Ongoing training and support

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership qualities and ability to contribute positively to service development.
• Experience in managing and mentoring staff effectively.
• Competency in preparing and presenting reports to committees.

Responsibilities

• Project managing significant and complex strategic and major planning applications.
• Providing pre-application advice for major development schemes.
• Preparing and presenting reports to the Planning & Highways Committee.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of planning legislation

Project management

Leadership qualities

Education

Relevant professional qualification (MRTPI)

Job description

Overview

Our Planning Services Development Management Team is looking for a Principal Planning Officer (Major Projects) to assist us in delivering strategic regeneration initiatives and high-quality sustainable development, and to support our housing and job growth targets.

What will be expected from me?

To have in-depth knowledge of planning legislation, the latest national planning policy, guidance, urban design, placing making and planning procedures.

What I might be doing?

• Project managing significant and complex strategic and major planning applications across the district;
• Providing pre-application advice to prospective applicants for major and complex development schemes;
• Developing Planning Performance Agreements; and acting as a lead officer for major development proposals;
• Preparing and presenting reports to the Planning & Highways Committee, and representing the Council as an expert witness at Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries;
• Developing service improvement initiatives;
• Supporting the Development Management Team Leaders and Service Manager;
• Managing, motivating and mentoring staff within the teams; and helping to maintain and improve service performance;
• Reviewing the case work of officers and authorising decisions on planning applications under the Council's officer scheme of delegation.

Essential requirements:

• Have a relevant professional qualification (MRTPI is desirable).
• The position offers line management opportunities therefore the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to contribute positively to the continued development of the service.

What can I expect?

• This is a Full-Time post of 37 hours per week, with a mix of office and homeworking possible.
• Support and ongoing training.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport
• The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Fiona Knowles.

Tel: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.