Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

Location: North Yorkshire
Rate: £50 per hour
Contract: 3 - Months ongoing

Spencer Clarke Group are supporting a local authority to appoint a Principal Planning Officer within Development Management.

You will lead on major and complex planning applications, providing robust professional advice and helping to drive timely, defensible decisions. The role will suit someone confident managing large scale residential schemes (circa 100 units), attending committee when required and handling stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities include
* Manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications and related consents from pre application through to decision
* Act as lead case officer on strategic development sites, balancing competing considerations and meeting statutory timescales
* Provide clear professional planning advice to applicants/agents, stakeholders, colleagues and Members
* Prepare and present reports and recommendations, including attendance at Planning Committee and other relevant meetings
* Undertake site inspections and attend site meetings, including formal Committee site visits
* Support appeals work, including drafting statements and acting as the Council's planning witness at hearings/inquiries when needed
* Negotiate planning obligations and community benefits, including Section 106 and CIL where applicable
* Support team activity by allocating work where appropriate, checking work quality, and signing off decisions within the team
* Contribute to performance targets, customer service standards and continuous improvement across the service

About you
* Degree level qualification in Planning or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
* Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management practice
* Proven experience managing major and complex applications, ideally including large scale residential schemes
* Confident communicator with strong report writing skills and experience presenting to committees or similar forums
* Able to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines with limited supervision
* Able to travel for site visits and attend meetings as required
* RTPI membership or eligibility is desirable

How to Apply
Send your CV or get in touch with Nicole Brownrigg at Spencer Clarke Group on 01772 954200 or