Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

South Kesteven District Council; South Kesteven; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking an ambitious Planner to join its planning team. You will evaluate various planning applications, contribute to major development schemes, and mentor colleagues. An ideal candidate will have significant experience in development management and excellent communication skills. This position offers career development opportunities, a generous leave scheme, and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Career development opportunities

Low-cost health care plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Well-being activities

Payment of professional membership fees

Qualifications

• Significant experience in development management, including planning appeals.
• Experience in preparing reports and presenting applications to Planning Committee.
• Passionate about sustainability and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and determine a wide range of planning applications.
• Play a role in mentoring colleagues.
• Contribute to the development of the new Local Plan.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Passion for design quality

Experience in development management

Education

Qualified town planner or related qualification

Job description

We are looking for a highly ambitious, skilled and motivated planner who would like to join our planning team in this newly created role within our successful Planning Service. You will play a key role in evaluating and determining a wide range of planning applications, including some exciting projects. There is a pipeline of major development schemes including a Garden Village, redevelopment of an existing Barracks site, and significant renewable energy and NSIP proposals, which provide opportunities to develop your professional skills and experience. You will also help to shape the evolution of our service and play a critical role in mentoring colleagues as part of our "grow your own" ethos.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Be a qualified town planner (or hold a related qualification)
• You will have significant experience of development management including dealing with planning appeals.
• Have experience of preparing reports and appeal statements and presenting applications to Planning Committee.
• You will be a strong negotiator.
• Possess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Be passionate about design quality, sustainability, and community engagement.

It's an exciting time to join South Kesteven District Council. The Government's growth agenda provides the context for an interesting and varied caseload within our development management team. Alongside this, we are preparing a new Local Plan that will help shape our District until 2043 – delivering the homes, jobs and infrastructure that our residents need. With our nationally recognised Design PAD service, and as one of only ten local authorities awarded funding through the MHCLG Design Code Pathfinder Programme, we are proud to be at the forefront of design excellence and placemaking in the UK.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days, increasing with length of service.
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for career and self‑development.
• Low-cost health care plan.
• A Cycle to Work scheme.
• Regular well‑being activities.
• Payment of professional membership fees.

You will be given the chance to grow in your career, taking ownership of your learning journey with exciting opportunities for development within the Council, and you can rest assured that we’re thinking about your future. Not only can we help you in the short‑term with financial schemes to help spread the cost of cars, bikes and technology – you’ll become a member of the generous and trusted Local Government Pension Scheme.

South Kesteven is a district rich in history, opportunity and potential. It is home to the first designated Conservation Area in England, innovative entrepreneurs, a base for global businesses, and boasts excellent local schools – all set within an attractive, rural landscape ideally located in the heart of England. Our vision is to make South Kesteven the best place to live, work, and visit, and we know that by working together we can achieve that.

People are at the heart of what we do here at SKDC. We deliver more than 100 services across the district, so there’s no limit to where your career can take you. We value our employees and we offer a range of benefits that really make a difference, for everyone.