Senior Planning Officer/Principal Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Hyndburn Borough Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car User Allowance

Job summary

Hyndburn Borough Council is seeking a motivated Planning Officer to join the Development Management team. The role involves managing a diverse caseload of complex planning applications and appeals, providing professional planning advice, and negotiating positive outcomes with applicants, developers and elected members.

The post offers a career grade with progression to Principal Planning Officer, subject to RTPI Chartered Membership.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a diverse and challenging caseload of complex planning applications and appeals.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to secure positive development outcomes.
• Member of RTPI or actively working towards membership; progression linked to Chartered Membership.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex planning applications and appeals.
• Assess proposals and provide professional planning advice to applicants and developers.
• Negotiate outcomes and work with elected members and stakeholders to secure high-quality development.
• Support the Planning Manager and mentor junior colleagues within Development Management.

Skills

RTPI Membership

Driving licence

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Planning expertise

Job description

Senior Planning Officer/Principal Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Car User Allowance: £3,600 per annum

Hyndburn is an attractive and ambitious borough in the heart of Pennine Lancashire, offering excellent connectivity to Manchester, the Lake District and the coast. As we continue to support growth and investment across the borough, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Planning Officer to join our Development Management team.

This career-grade position offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and progression within a supportive and forward-thinking planning service. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and challenging caseload of complex planning applications and appeals, helping to deliver sustainable growth and regeneration across the borough.

We are looking for someone who relishes a challenge and thrives in a busy yet supportive environment. As part of a collaborative Development Management team, you will assess planning proposals, provide professional planning advice, negotiate positive outcomes, and work closely with applicants, developers, elected members, and other stakeholders to secure high-quality development that enhances Hyndburn's communities.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing a wide range of complex development proposals and delivering timely, well-reasoned decisions. You will possess a thorough understanding of the planning system and relevant legislation, together with strong communication, negotiation, and organisational skills. You will also be able to build and maintain effective professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You should be a member of the RTPI or actively working towards membership. Progression beyond the first pay increment of the Senior Planning Officer post will be linked to achieving RTPI Chartered Membership. For appointment at Principal Planning Officer level, RTPI membership is essential. At Principal Planning Officer level, you will manage a caseload of major planning applications and play a key leadership role within the team. You will provide mentoring and professional support to junior colleagues, assist with their development, and support the Planning Manager in the effective operation of the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service.

You should be confident in the use of planning and development management IT systems and committed to delivering excellent customer service and positive planning outcomes.

To undertake site visits and attend meetings, you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

If you are passionate about planning, committed to delivering high-quality development, and want to make a real difference in a borough with ambitious plans for the future, we would love to hear from you.

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Closing Date: Open

Vacancy Ref: 2372