Principal Planning Officer

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Planning Officer in Greater London. This position involves managing complex planning applications, guiding junior staff, and ensuring compliance with local and national planning legislation. The ideal candidate will have a relevant professional qualification and significant experience in planning. This role is vital for contributing to the borough's regeneration objectives and fostering effective stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex planning applications.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
• Strong understanding of local and national planning policies.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead case officer for major planning applications.
• Manage development management casework efficiently.
• Prepare high-quality reports and advice for decision makers.

Skills

Planning legislation compliance

Negotiation skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification in planning or similar field

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Grade: K–L

Directorate: Housing and Regeneration

Service: Planning and Building Control

Reports to: Team Leader – Development Management (East or West Area Team)

Responsible for: Planning Officers and Graduate Planning Officers; Internal and external consultants (as required)

Key Responsibilities

Development Management & Casework

• Act as lead case officer for complex, major and strategically significant planning applications and pre-application proposals.
• Manage all aspects of development management casework, ensuring compliance with planning legislation, national, regional and local policy, and statutory timescales.
• Undertake complex negotiations with developers and stakeholders relating to design, planning obligations, affordable housing, and infrastructure contributions (including Section 106 and CIL).
• Formulate clear, robust and defensible recommendations for delegated decisions or planning committee determination.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports, briefings and advice to senior officers, elected members and planning committees.

Appeals, Inquiries and Legal Proceedings

• Lead on complex planning appeals, ensuring the Council’s case is prepared and submitted within statutory deadlines.
• Represent the Council as an expert witness at appeals, hearings, public inquiries, examinations in public and, where required, court proceedings.
• Ensure decisions are legally sound and capable of being defended successfully at appeal or judicial review.

Team Support & Supervision

• Support the Team Leader in managing workloads, priorities and performance within the area team.
• Provide supervision, mentoring and coaching to Planning Officers and Graduate Planning Officers.
• Review delegated reports and provide professional guidance to ensure consistency and quality of decision-making.

Grade L additional responsibilities

• Assist with staff recruitment, appraisal, development and work programming.
• Act as a representative for the area team and deputise for the Team Leader when required.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Working

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with elected members, senior officers, developers, consultants, community groups, statutory consultees and government bodies.
• Lead and coordinate public consultation exercises in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
• Provide clear, professional advice to members of the public and internal stakeholders on planning matters.

Regeneration & Corporate Contribution

• Contribute to the regeneration objectives of the borough through the effective use of planning powers and partnership working.
• Work collaboratively across council services to support corporate priorities and outcomes.
• Promote equality, inclusion, sustainability and best practice in service delivery.

Performance, Service Improvement & Governance

• Assist the Team Leader in monitoring service performance against local and national indicators.
• Support service improvement initiatives, including policy development, procedural changes and value-for-money reviews.
• Manage and commission consultants where required, ensuring compliance with procurement and financial regulations.
• Respond to complaints, Member enquiries, FOI requests and service-related correspondence in a timely and professional manner.

Professional Standards & Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and hard-copy planning records.
• Keep professional knowledge current, including changes to planning legislation, policy and best practice.
• Use ICT systems effectively to support efficient and high-quality service delivery.
• Undertake site visits independently, including visits that may involve personal risk.

Grade L – Additional Duties

• Provide high-level professional advice to the team and contribute to overall service leadership.
• Support continuous improvement and adaptation to changes in national, regional and local planning policy.
• Assist with financial monitoring, benchmarking and performance evaluation of the area team.

Other Requirements

Willingness to work evenings and weekends when required, with appropriate notice.

Commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in the Council’s appraisal and review processes.

Compliance with all Council policies, codes of conduct, and equality and diversity requirements.