Principal Planning Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Town of Greenwich (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited seeks an experienced Planning Officer to join a local authority planning service on a six‑month contract. You will manage major and complex planning applications, provide professional advice, and ensure deadlines are met with sound judgment and clear reporting.

You will liaise with applicants, developers, councillors and internal teams, lead on appeals, and help improve planning processes while delivering a customer‑focused service.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in local authority planning or equivalent.
• Experience managing a complex caseload including major applications.
• Ability to prepare planning reports and present clear recommendations.
• Experience handling pre-application to post-decision processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage an individual caseload of planning applications including major developments.
• Prepare high‑quality planning assessments, reports and recommendations.
• Lead planning applications through all stages from pre‑application to determination.
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers and stakeholders.
• Assess proposals against national policy, local plans and guidance.
• Coordinate consultations and engage with stakeholders to support decision‑making.
• Negotiate with applicants to achieve high‑quality outcomes and resolve issues.
• Lead on planning appeals and represent the Council when required.
• Support an efficient, customer‑focused planning service with clear advice.
• Identify opportunities for service improvements and mentor colleagues.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Negotiation

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Degree in town planning

RTPI membership desirable

Job description

Greenwich, United Kingdom | Posted on 14/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To support the delivery of a high-quality planning service by managing a complex caseload of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and ensuring applications are processed effectively in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice.

The postholder will be responsible for managing major and complex planning applications from pre‑application discussions through to determination and post‑decision stages. They will provide expert planning recommendations, lead on appeals, and work collaboratively with applicants, stakeholders, elected Members, and internal teams to deliver a customer‑focused planning service.

The role will contribute to the effective delivery of strategic planning objectives by ensuring high standards of professional planning advice, decision‑making, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an individual caseload of planning applications, including major and complex developments, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and effectively.
• Prepare high‑quality planning assessments, reports, and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions.
• Lead and manage planning applications through all stages, including pre‑application discussions, formal submissions, determination, and post‑decision processes.
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers, colleagues, Members, and other stakeholders.
• Assess proposals against national planning policy, local development plans, planning guidance, and other relevant material considerations.
• Coordinate consultations and engage with internal and external stakeholders to support effective decision‑making.
• Negotiate with applicants and agents to achieve high‑quality development outcomes and resolve planning issues.
• Lead on planning appeals, including preparing evidence, coordinating responses, and representing the Council where required.
• Support the delivery of an efficient, customer‑focused planning service, ensuring applicants and stakeholders receive clear and timely advice.
• Identify opportunities for service improvements and contribute to the development of planning processes and procedures.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to colleagues where appropriate.
• Ensure all planning work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, professional standards, and organisational policies.

Requirements

Experience

• Significant experience working within a local authority planning environment or similar planning service.
• Proven experience managing a complex planning caseload, including major applications.
• Experience preparing planning reports and presenting clear recommendations.
• Experience managing applications from pre‑application stage through to determination and post‑decision processes.
• Experience leading or supporting planning appeals.
• Experience engaging effectively with applicants, developers, consultees, elected Members, and other stakeholders.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the planning system, legislation, national policy, and development management procedures.
• Ability to analyse complex development proposals and provide sound professional recommendations.
• Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills with the ability to achieve positive planning outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and present planning matters effectively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and a varied workload.
• Strong customer service focus with the ability to deliver a professional and responsive planning service.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in town planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards professional membership desirable.

Additional Information

• Location: Local Authority Planning Service / Hybrid working arrangement