Overview
Join Buckinghamshire Council’s high-performing Major Development Management team and play a key role in delivering some of the most significant development proposals in the area.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to work on complex and varied schemes, develop their expertise, and take real ownership of projects that shape places and communities.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a large unitary authority, delivering services across a diverse area to the west of London. We are forward-looking, ambitious and committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable growth.
Our Major Development Management team operates at scale, managing a strong pipeline of major applications and working proactively with applicants, agents and stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working (minimum 2 days office-based)
- Exposure to interesting, complex and high-profile development proposals
- The opportunity to take ownership of projects and influence outcomes
- Opportunities to contribute to corporate projects and service improvements
- A supportive team environment with experienced colleagues
- Ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities
- A positive work-life balance
About the role
As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead on a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications, managing proposals from early engagement through to determination.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and determining major and complex planning applications
- Leading on Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
- Negotiating S106 agreements and planning obligations
- Engaging with developers, agents, stakeholders and local communities
- Representing the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries
- Advising elected members and committees
- Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
- Contributing to service improvement and performance
You’ll work across a diverse area, including strategic growth areas, urban and rural environments, with exposure to a wide range of development types.
About you
You will be a confident and well-organised planning professional with experience in development management. Applications are welcomed from those working in local authorities, consultancies or development organisations.
You will bring:
- Experience of handling major or complex planning applications
- A strong understanding of planning policy and the development process
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Highly organised working practices, with strong attention to detail
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Confidence working with a range of stakeholders, including applicants and elected members
- Eligibility for (or membership of) the RTPI
You will be proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable taking ownership of projects.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
For full details about the role, please refer to the job summary attached.
Other information
For an informal discussion, either on-line or in person, contact: Charles Power – 01494 421513 or email [email protected]
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
