Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

£0.00

South East England

£50 - £60 Per Hour

Full Time

Planning

17 August 2025

View more categories
  • Job Details

A Surrey-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Planning Officer to join their Development Management team on a 12-month interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional to play a key role in progressing a diverse caseload of complex and high-impact planning applications.


About the Role

The successful candidate will act as case officer for a range of minor, major, and complex applications, taking responsibility for full-cycle case management, from early engagement with applicants and stakeholders to drafting detailed officer reports, negotiating Section 106 agreements, and potentially presenting at Planning Committee.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing a varied caseload of planning applications with minimal supervision

  • Preparing clear, well-reasoned officer reports and conditions

  • Liaising with developers, legal teams, consultees, and stakeholders

  • Ensuring weekly performance deadlines are met

  • Supporting high-quality housing delivery across the borough

  • Representing the authority at hearings, inquiries, and committee meetings as required


What We're Looking For

You'll need to be a proactive and capable planning professional who can work independently while maintaining service quality and timeliness. You should have:

  • MRTPI qualification

  • Minimum 3 years' experience in handling complex and major planning applications within a local authority setting

  • Experience in appeals, including Hearings and Public Inquiries

  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

  • Solid understanding of urban design, development economics, and planning legislation

  • Proficiency with Office 365 and planning software/document management systems

  • A valid driving licence and willingness to attend occasional evening meetings


Why Apply?

  • Flexible hybrid working - with only one in-office day per week

  • Opportunity to lead on meaningful developments within a supportive team

  • Competitive rate up to £60/hour (inside IR35)

  • Join a well-structured service with high expectations and clear processes


Interested?

Please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk to apply or discuss the role in more detail.

Not all roles are advertised, I also work with several other authorities across the region and would be happy to have a confidential discussion about your next move.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox

Similar jobs

Principal Planning Officer

South East England

Senior Planning Officer

East of England

Town Planner to Senior Town Planner

South West England, Wales