Principal Planning Officer (ref: 1619)

Local Government South East; Winchester; Híbrido; GBP 49 000 - 54 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive annual leave

Free parking

Season Ticket Loans

Cycle to Work and Car Benefit

Employer paid health cash plan

Confidential Employee Advice and 24/7/

Employee discounts

Continuous professional development

Resumo da oferta

Winchester City Council in Winchester is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join the Development Management team and help shape Winchester's districts, balancing growth with the protection of historic environments. You will manage a varied caseload of planning applications, provide professional planning advice, and ensure timely decisions in line with policy and statutory requirements.

The role also involves mentoring staff, representing the Council at Planning Committee and hearings, and

Qualificações

• Experience in Development Management and determination of varied planning applications.
• Knowledge of current planning legislation and policy.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage priorities.
• Experience handling complex planning issues with balanced recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsabilidades

• Manage a varied caseload of planning applications and appeals.
• Provide professional planning advice and balanced recommendations.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committee and appeals.
• Mentor and support junior team members.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement and high standards.

Conhecimentos

Development Management

Planning legislation

Organisation

Complex planning issues

Communication skills

Committee reporting

Collaboration

RTPI membership

Formação académica

RTPI membership eligibility

Descrição da oferta de emprego

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Winchester, Hampshire
• Posted 1 week ago
• £48,738 - £54,143.00 £ / Year
• Closes: 5 November 2026

Winchester City Council is offering a purposeful and fulfilling career opportunity within our Planning Service.

We are seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management team and play an important role in shaping Winchester's Districts historic city, market towns, rural villages and countryside. You will help deliver high-quality development in accordance with local and national planning policy, balancing growth with the protection of our valued natural, built and historic environments.

About The Role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will manage a varied caseload of complex and challenging planning applications, pre-application enquiries and appeals. You will provide professional planning advice and recommendations, working within statutory timescales and contributing to the delivery of sustainable development across the district. You will work closely with applicants, colleagues, consultees, elected members and local communities, representing the Council at Planning Committee and at appeal hearings and inquiries where required. In addition to managing your own caseload, you will provide support, mentoring and guidance to junior members of the team, helping to develop their professional knowledge and decision-making skills. You will contribute to the continuous improvement of the service and play an active role in maintaining high standards of planning practice.

About You

• Significant experience in Development Management and the determination of a broad range of planning applications.
• A sound knowledge of current planning legislation, policy and development management practice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of handling complex planning issues and preparing balanced, well-reasoned recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of presenting reports to Planning Committee and representing the Council at appeals, hearings or public inquiries.
• The ability to work collaboratively and build effective professional relationships.
• You will be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or eligible for membership, and committed to maintaining and developing your professional knowledge and skills.

Why Join Us?

Our offices are based in the heart of Winchester's historic cathedral city, and we operate a hybrid working model, with colleagues spending 50% of their time working from home and 50% in the office, including at least one day each week working together as a team. We are proud of our friendly and supportive culture, where collaboration, respect and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. We encourage our employees to take ownership of their work, develop their skills and contribute new ideas. By investing in our people and empowering them to succeed, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

We Offer An Excellent Package Of Benefits Including

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Competitive annual leave per year
• Free parking
• Season Ticket Loans
• Cycle to Work and Car Benefit salary sacrifice schemes
• Employer paid health cash plan
• Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme
• Employee retail and leisure discounts
• Support for continuous professional development