Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer
Location: Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 5+ Months
Working Hours: Mon Fri, 09 00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 32.10 Per Hour
Job Ref: OR20412

Job Responsibilities

• Assist team leaders in managing development services and applications.

• Handle major and controversial applications, including pre-application advice, site inspections, research, and stakeholder consultations.

• Negotiate with applicants and agents, focusing on Section 106 Agreements.

• Support Councillors and community groups in understanding proposals.

• Lead the Development Team for major applications and provide feedback to the Project Manager.

• Prepare reports and recommendations for committee meetings.

• Present applications at Plans and Regulatory Committees.

• Prepare planning appeal evidence and appear as an expert witness at inquiries and hearings.

• Provide pre-application advice on complex proposals and coordinate stakeholder views.

• Advise team members on complex issues and assist in planning enforcement investigations.

• Collaborate with other departments on development possibilities.

• Support project management and supervise staff on complex assignments.

• Promote team development through guidance and training needs identification.

• Contribute to improving customer satisfaction and service delivery.

Person Specifications
Must Have

• Experience in managing complex planning applications and appeals.

• Knowledge of current development management laws and guidance.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Self-motivated, organized, and able to meet deadlines.

• Commitment to teamwork and customer care.

• Mobility across the Borough.

Nice to Have

• Experience in staff management and development.

• Committee presentation experience.

• Use of specialist planning software.

• Membership of RTPI.

• Leadership qualifications (e.g., ILM Level 3).

• Prince2 project management certification.

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