Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

Location: North Yorkshire

Rate: £50 per hour

Contract: 3 - Months ongoing

Responsibilities include

• Manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications and related consents from pre application through to decision
• Act as lead case officer on strategic development sites, balancing competing considerations and meeting statutory timescales
• Provide clear professional planning advice to applicants/agents, stakeholders, colleagues and Members
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations, including attendance at Planning Committee and other relevant meetings
• Undertake site inspections and attend site meetings, including formal Committee site visits
• Support appeals work, including drafting statements and acting as the Council's planning witness at hearings/inquiries when needed
• Negotiate planning obligations and community benefits, including Section 106 and CIL where applicable
• Support team activity by allocating work where appropriate, checking work quality, and signing off decisions within the team
• Contribute to performance targets, customer service standards and continuous improvement across the service

About you

• Degree level qualification in Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management practice
• Proven experience managing major and complex applications, ideally including large scale residential schemes
• Confident communicator with strong report writing skills and experience presenting to committees or similar forums
• Able to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines with limited supervision
• Able to travel for site visits and attend meetings as required
• RTPI membership or eligibility is desirable