Principal Planning Officer

Wakefield Council; Wrenthorpe; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to oversee major planning projects, provide expert advice, and manage applications. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of planning legislation and experience in development management. This full-time position offers flexibility for a mix of office and homeworking, with extensive training and a range of benefits including discounted transport and access to leisure facilities.

Benefits

Discounted public transport

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted leisure facility membership

12-week free exercise program

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of national planning policy and guidance.
• Experience of managing large-scale development proposals.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence at inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Project manage significant planning applications.
• Provide pre-application advice for major schemes.
• Prepare reports and represent the Council at hearings.
• Manage and mentor staff within the teams.

Skills

Knowledge of planning legislation

Experience in Development Management

Leadership qualities

Negotiation skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification (MRTPI desirable)

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.

Responsibilities

• 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; 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; 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.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, the latest national planning policy, guidance, urban design, placemaking and planning procedures.
• Knowledge and experience of preparing and presenting evidence at Public Inquiry, Hearing and/or Examination.
• Experience of working within Development Management and of managing and negotiating large-scale major development proposals with substantial infrastructure requirements.
• The position offers line management opportunities; leadership qualities and the ability to contribute positively to the continued development of the service.
• Have a relevant professional qualification (MRTPI is desirable).

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 leisure facilities, with a 12-week free exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and more.