Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

Location: Guildford, Surrey | Hybrid Working
Rate: £46.00 per hour PAYE | £59.00 per hour Umbrella
Contract: Temporary
Hours: 37 hours per Week

I am currently recruiting on behalf of a Surrey local authority for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join their Development Management team on an interim basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering housing growth across the borough, managing a portfolio of major, high-profile and complex planning applications following the adoption of the Local Plan. You will act as lead case officer on significant schemes, working closely with developers, consultees, elected members and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and effective decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of major and complex planning applications from submission through to determination.
• Prepare detailed officer reports, recommendations and planning conditions.
• Lead negotiations on Section 106 agreements and planning obligations.
• Present applications to Planning Committee and respond to member questions.
• Liaise with developers, statutory consultees, legal services, councillors and community stakeholders.
• Manage planning performance agreements and ensure key deadlines are achieved.
• Maintain accurate records and planning documentation.
• Respond to enquiries relating to allocated and non-allocated development sites.
• Support the delivery of housing and regeneration objectives across the borough.

Requirements

• MRTPI qualified.
• Relevant Planning, Town Planning or related degree.
• Minimum three years' experience handling large-scale residential planning applications through to decision.
• Strong Development Management experience, ideally within a local authority environment.
• Experience preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations.
• Knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management processes.
• Experience negotiating planning obligations and Section 106 agreements.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, project management and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Word and Excel.
• Experience using planning and document management systems.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Strong planning knowledge and technical expertise.
• Confidence managing complex and politically sensitive applications.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work independently and prioritise a demanding caseload.
• Attention to detail and high professional standards.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working arrangement with attendance in the office required at least once per week.
• Access to a vehicle is essential.
• Attendance at occasional evening committee meetings may be required.
• Part-time hours may be considered.
• Immediate start available.

If you are an experienced Principal Planning Officer looking for your next interim opportunity within local government, please contact Josh on 01772 208967 or joshua.hull@servicecare.org.uk