Principal Planner - Local Authority

Principal Planner

We are seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join a Development Management team and support the delivery of a varied portfolio of major planning applications. This Principal Planner opportunity is ideal for someone with extensive experience handling major applications and appeals at principal level.

You will manage significant planning matters across a broad mix of developments, including major residential, mixed-use, industrial and commercial schemes. The role does not include line management, but it does require close collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders and elected members.

Day-to-day of the role

• Manage a caseload of approximately 15–20 major planning applications.
• Assess and determine complex planning proposals across a varied development portfolio.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned reports and recommendations.
• Represent the authority at planning appeals, hearings and inquiries.
• Attend site visits, team meetings and committee meetings as required.
• Provide professional planning advice to colleagues, stakeholders and elected members.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative Development Management team.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Significant experience within Development Management, ideally at principal level.
• Strong track record of handling major planning applications.
• Proven experience dealing with planning appeals.
• Experience of hearings and inquiries is desirable.
• Ability to manage a complex workload independently and effectively.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and report-writing skills.
• Confidence in presenting professional advice in formal planning settings.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rate of £50 per hour via umbrella.
• Hybrid working, combining office attendance, site visits and meetings.
• Opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of major planning schemes.
• Visible, high-impact role within a supportive planning team.