Principal Planning Officer - Major Projects & Policy

Essential Employment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment is seeking a Principal Planning Officer in Walsall to lead a caseload of complex and major planning applications from submission to determination. The role focuses on delivering robust planning advice to applicants, developers, councillors and the public.

You will prepare detailed reports, present recommendations at Planning Committee, negotiate planning obligations (Section 106) and conditions, and mentor Planning Officers and Technicians while ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex planning applications.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and local policy.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications from submission through to determination.
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers, councillors, and members of the public.
• Prepare detailed planning reports and make recommendations in line with planning legislation and local policy.
• Present applications and recommendations at Planning Committee meetings.
• Lead negotiations on planning proposals, amendments, planning obligations (Section 106), and planning conditions.
• Mentor and supervise Planning Officers and Planning Technicians.
• Represent the council at planning appeals, hearings, public inquiries, and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to policy development, service improvement, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with national planning legislation, local development plans, and planning best practice.
• Liaise with internal departments, statutory consultees, elected members, and external stakeholders to facilitate development proposals.

Job description

Essential Employment is seeking a Principal Planning Officer in Walsall to lead a caseload of complex and major planning applications from submission to determination. The role focuses on delivering robust planning advice to applicants, developers, councillors and the public.

You will prepare detailed reports, present recommendations at Planning Committee, negotiate planning obligations (Section 106) and conditions, and mentor Planning Officers and Technicians while ensuring compliance with