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.
