Park Avenue are very excited to be assisting a long-standing client who are seeking a highly experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead on a range of significant and complex major planning applications.

This interim role has been created through Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) with major applicants and will focus on high-profile residential and commercial development proposals, including applications within the Green Belt and those subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The successful candidate will be responsible for progressing a series of large-scale planning applications and negotiations, ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of major residential and commercial planning applications, including outline applications up to 750 dwellings, some examples of this role are a new railway station, school, and retail space within the Green Belt.
• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive pre-application advice as part of Planning Performance Agreements.
• Assess applications subject to EIA, ensuring legal and policy compliance.
• Draft detailed and balanced committee and delegated reports with robust recommendations.
• Liaise and negotiate with applicants, agents, consultees, legal advisers, and internal teams.
• Represent the local authority at public meetings, consultations, and planning committee sessions as required.
• Ensure timely progression of cases in line with statutory targets and PPA deadlines.

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:

• Minimum 5 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 £58/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 [email protected] to apply or discuss the role in more detail.