Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Charnwood Borough Council; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Charnwood Borough Council is seeking four Principal Planning Officers to join their dynamic team. This role involves managing planning applications, mentoring staff, and attending committee meetings, providing an exciting opportunity for dedicated planners looking to make a positive impact in local communities. Attractive benefits include generous annual leave, support for professional development, and a friendly working environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave of 35.5 to 40.5 days

Opportunities for professional development

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Agile working arrangements

Free parking

Qualifications

• Ability to analyse complex planning issues.
• Experience producing high-quality letters and reports.
• Strong negotiation skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a variety of planning applications including major housing developments.
• Attend Planning Committee meetings to present cases.
• Mentor Planning Assistant and supervise other staff.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Education

Recent development management experience

Job description

We are a customer-focused, ambitious, and dynamic organisation committed to supporting communities, protecting the environment, and fostering a thriving economy.

Following a restructure, the Council is seeking four Principal Planning Officers. We are looking for dedicated individuals who share our passion for making a difference in local communities in Charnwood, Leicestershire.

The role involves managing a variety of planning applications, including major housing developments and complex proposals. It is ideal for planners seeking a challenge or interested in project work. You will attend Planning Committee meetings to present cases and oversee their determination. Additionally, you will mentor and supervise a Planning Assistant and a Planner/Senior Planner, including signing off reports and appeal statements.

Key requirements include the ability to analyse complex planning issues, produce high-quality letters, reports, and evidence statements within deadlines, strong negotiation skills, and recent development management experience to succeed in this fast-paced environment.

In return, you will receive support through regular one-to-one meetings with a Team Leader, access to Continuous Professional Development, and work with a friendly, experienced team of planners.

Please clearly demonstrate how you meet all essential criteria and, where applicable, desirable criteria in your application, as incomplete applications may not be shortlisted for interview.

The benefits of working with us include:

• Agile working arrangements – support for home working with some office attendance
• Generous annual leave of 35.5 to 40.5 days, including bank holidays
• Most services close over Christmas
• Opportunities for professional development
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking

We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant's Employer Recognition Gold Award.

We prioritize employee well-being and engagement through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group, and Equality Working Group.

Find out more about this role and our organisation at www.charnwood.gov.uk/jobs.

About the Council

Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils by population, serving around 183,000 residents.

We offer diverse services, from refuse collection to operating theatres and historic markets.

Our values are Pride in Charnwood, Customer Focused, and Working Together.

About Charnwood

Charnwood is a great place to live, work, visit, and invest, with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. Loughborough, home to a world-class university and historic markets, is at the heart of the borough. The area is diverse, with a mix of students and cultures.

Located centrally, Charnwood has excellent rail, road, and air links. Our economic development leverages research from Loughborough University and related industries. The borough offers many assets and opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth, with exciting development and regeneration projects to create jobs and prosperity.

No agencies please.