Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Redditch; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% home working

Flexible hours

Compressed weeks

Part-time working

Job-share

RTPI subscription fees paid

Job summary

Bromsgrove District Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to shape growth for two communities, manage major and minor schemes, and mentor junior planners. The role emphasizes delivering high-quality development, fair service, and robust appeal defenses.

The post supports home-working, flexible hours, and a buddy-system for staff development, with offices in Bromsgrove or Redditch optional.

Qualifications

• Degree-level (or higher) qualification.
• Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• At least three years of planning experience, including one year in Development Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead conversations at pre-application stage and manage a diverse caseload of major and minor schemes.
• Champion high-quality development and provide a clear, fair, responsive service to residents and applicants.
• Defend decisions through the appeal process and lead planning enforcement to safeguard the environment.
• Mentor and support Planning Officers and Planning Assistants through the buddy system.
• Support flexible working patterns and contribute to staff development and training.

Skills

Mentoring

Planning knowledge

Education

Degree-level qualification

Full Chartered RTPI Membership

Job description

At Bromsgrove District Council, we believe that great places have the power to transform lives. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will be at the heart of shaping the future of two unique communities - helping to protect what makes them special, while guiding thoughtful, well-designed growth for generations to come.

We also believe in trust, flexibility and balance. We warmly welcome requests for 100% home working, flexible hours, compressed weeks, part-time working, and job-share. We want brilliant people, and we are committed to helping them thrive.

Who are we?

We are a shared Planning Service across Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council - a partnership built on stability, collaboration and ambition. Our team brings together experienced Planners with new talent at the start of their careers. What connects us is simple: we care deeply about the places we serve, and we support each other to deliver our very best work.

Where are we?

North Worcestershire offers a landscape rich in character and contrast:

• Bromsgrove, a beautiful rural district rooted in its historic market town
• Redditch, a former market town re-imagined as a New Town, blending urban energy with green, open landscapes

These are communities with strong identity, proud histories and exciting futures - places where thoughtful planning truly matters.

What will you be doing?

This is a role for someone who wants to make a difference.

You will handle a diverse caseload of major and minor schemes that shape the look,feel and opportunity of the District and Borough. Your work will include:

• Leading meaningful conversations at the pre-application stage
• Managing your caseload with confidence and independence, whilst championing high-quality development
• Ensuring our residents and applicants receive a clear, fair and responsive service
• Robustly defending decisions through the appeal process
• Taking a lead role in planning enforcement to safeguard our environment

You will also help grow the next generation of Planners. Through our established buddy system, you will mentor and support our Planning Officers and Planning Assistants - sharing your expertise, encouraging their development and helping them build strong, resilient careers.

Our team works primarily from home, but you will have the option of using our Bromsgrove or Redditch offices whenever you wish.

What do you need to be shortlisted?

To take on this inspiring opportunity, you will need:

• A degree-level (or higher) qualification
• Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
• At least three years of planning experience, including one year in Development Management

Why join us?

This is more than a job - it is a chance to help shape the District and Borough with distinct character and significant potential. You will be joining a team that is proud of its work, confident in its direction and committed to supporting each other through periods of change and growth. We offer a workplace where you can stretch your skills, deepen your knowledge, and make a visible impact.

You will also benefit from:

• Full payment of RTPI subscription fees
• Certainty and clarity through two adopted Local Plans (January 2017)
• A home working-focused culture with all IT equipment provided
• Targeted support for CPD and long-term progression
• A flexible working scheme that supports real work-life balance
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after five years continuous service), plus statutory holidays
• Modern offices in central Redditch, close to public transport and shops
• Historic, characterful offices in Bromsgrove Town Centre
• Free, secure parking at both locations

Your first few weeks will include face-to-face training, guidance and support - ensuring that you feel confident, connected and ready to make your mark. After that, you are free to shape the working pattern that suits you best.

What next?

Need further information on the duties of this post? Please contact Dale Birch: Development Management Manager on direct line 01527 881341 or email [e-mail].

The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is midnight on Monday 21 September 2026.

The interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams week commencing Monday 28 September 2026 (alternative dates can be made available if requested).

Attached documents

Principal Planning Officer DM Revision March 2018.doc