Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer (Planning)

Salary: 314.79 day rate

Location: Borough Hall, MK42

Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Till March 2026 with the possibility of extension

JOB PURPOSE:
To ensure that strategic developments, including corporate projects, are delivered in accordance with principal objectives and policies of the Development Plan. To act as a lead officer in the processing and determination and delivery of major and complex planning applications (and where required defending appeals), including negotiation of the content of the schemes and ensuring the delivery of key social and community infrastructure via planning obligations.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

To work independently as a lead case officer in the processing and determination of major and complex planning applications and other strategic/corporate projects, to include the negotiation of the content of each application and the negotiation of necessary planning obligations.

To prepare reports for consideration by the Development Management Team Leader or Planning Manager on delegated cases and for consideration and determination by the Planning Committee on cases falling outside the scope of the Scheme of Delegation.

To provide pre-application advice and co-ordinate the advice of other departments of the Borough Council to applicants and their agents to assist them with the preparation of major/complex planning applications, masterplans, development briefs and design guides/codes.

To advise upon the requirement for and use of income from developer contributions for other Borough Council departments and key community stakeholders, and to resolve conflicts in this arena to secure the co-ordinated delivery of development on key sites.

Must have -

A. Must be educated to degree level and must be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or provide evidence of eligibility for chartered membership.

B. Must have and be able to demonstrate substantial experience of working at a senior level within the Development Management context, dealing with major and complex planning applications within tight timescales, maintaining a positive negotiating style and being capable of working independently on specific projects under the minimum of supervision and towards agreed objectives.

C. Must be able to demonstrate detailed understanding of current Development Management practice, procedures, legislation and National Government Guidance, including a good knowledge of current professional issues.

D. Must be able to demonstrate collaborative working as part of a team and recognise the importance of public involvement in the planning process.

E. Must be able to demonstrate sound communication skills and ability to communicate (both orally and in writing) with a wide cross section of people, ranging from senior management to the general public.

F. Must have experience of and be confident at presenting to public meetings and committees and defending decisions at appeal, in a manner, which clearly demonstrates a thorough, structured, logical and orderly approach.

G. Experience supervising and mentoring officers to assist in their day to day roles and continued professional development would be an advantage.

H. Must have a driving licence and use of a suitably insured vehicle for business use, or be able to otherwise demonstrate the ability to travel to sites around the Borough in an efficient manner.

Apply today!

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.