Principal Planning Officer (Major Development) P122

Charnwood Borough Council; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Loughborough is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead major housing initiatives and mentor junior team members. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and negotiation skills, alongside a full UK driving licence. This role offers hybrid working options, professional development opportunities, and a diverse workplace culture.

Benefits

35.5 to 40.5 days annual leave

Agile and hybrid working options

Ongoing professional development

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experienced planner with a sharp analytical mind.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports under tight deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major housing schemes and complex developments.
• Present cases at Plans Committee until determination.
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues, ensuring high standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Report writing

Job description

Market Premia: £3000 per annum for up to 3 years

Principal Planning Officer – Help Shape Charnwood’s Future

About Us

Charnwood is in the heart of the East Midlands, home to 184,000 residents and a rich mix of market towns and picturesque conservation villages. Centrally located between Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, our main town, Loughborough, offers excellent connectivity and a vibrant community.

Why Charnwood?

We’re on the brink of something big. With our new Local Plan nearing completion, we’re setting the stage for ambitious, sustainable growth. From major urban extensions and regeneration zones to the UK’s largest science and enterprise park within our Enterprise Zone – the future is full of opportunity.

We’re also advancing key planning tools, including a Community Infrastructure Levy, a suite of Supplementary Planning Documents, and a cutting-edge Design Code.

Join us and you’ll be part of a team that’s:

• Driving forward a bold growth agenda in both urban and rural settings.
• Championing sustainable development, heritage conservation, and biodiversity.
• Helping shape the future of Loughborough – a hub of innovation and academic excellence

The Role

Following a recent restructure, we’re excited to offer four Principal Planning Officer roles. We’re looking for passionate, driven professionals ready to make a real difference in our communities.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll:

• Lead on a diverse caseload, including major housing schemes and complex developments.
• Present cases at Plans Committee and see them through to determination.
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues, reviewing reports and appeal statements to ensure high standards

About You

You’re a confident, experienced planner with:

• A sharp analytical mind and the ability to produce high-quality reports and statements to tight deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills and recent experience in development management.
• A full UK driving licence and access to transport – essential for site visits across Charnwood.

In return, you’ll be supported by a knowledgeable, welcoming team and have access to continuous professional development in a forward-thinking planning service.

Top tip: Make sure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential (and desirable) criteria – it’s key to securing an interview.

What We Offer

• 35.5 to 40.5 days annual leave (including bank holidays), depending on service.
• Agile and hybrid working options.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Office closure over the festive period.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture.
• Free parking.

Be You

At Charnwood, we celebrate diversity and individuality. We believe that a truly inclusive workforce makes our services stronger and more effective. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Gold Award holder under the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our staff play an active role in shaping our workplace through wellbeing and equality forums and working groups.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re ready to help shape the future of Charnwood and share our values, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t wait – apply today!

Find out more about this role and our team at: https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/planningcareers