Strategic Planning Lead — Major Applications

Dorset Council; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension

Flexible & family-friendly working

Significant home working

Continuous learning & development

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Lead Project Officer to join the Southern and Western majors team, shaping place making and driving high‑quality design on major applications across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell as part of a regeneration programme.

The role involves extensive negotiation, pre‑application discussions, presenting to committee and representing the Council at hearings. You will mentor officers, review cases, and sign off applications under delegation.

Qualifications

• A degree in town planning (or related subject) is required and a postgraduate qualification is normally expected.
• Post-qualification experience in planning in the public or private sector is required.
• Chartered membership of RTPI or eligibility is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shape local place making and drive high-quality design through major applications.
• Lead negotiations including pre-application discussions and planning obligations.
• Present applications to the planning committee and represent the Council at hearings and inquiries.
• Undertake case reviews, sign off applications under the delegation scheme, and mentor planning officers in fast‑track teams.

Skills

Major applications

Planning committee

Hearings & inquiries

Mentoring

Signing off applications

Education

Bachelor-level planning degree

Postgraduate planning qualification

RTPI membership desirable

Job description

Dorset Council is seeking a Lead Project Officer to join the Southern and Western majors team, shaping place making and driving high‑quality design on major applications across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell as part of a regeneration programme.

The role involves extensive negotiation, pre‑application discussions, presenting to committee and representing the Council at hearings. You will mentor officers, review cases, and sign off applications under delegation.