Principal Planning Officer

Written By Charlotte Sowden

Principal Planning Officer
Location: Tiverton - Hybrid (approx. 1 day per week office-based + site visits across the county)
Contract: 12-month maternity cover
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm)
Pay Rate: £42.00 per hour

About the Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our client on a 12-month maternity cover contract. You will play a key role within the Development Management team, delivering high-quality planning decisions, supporting development control activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policy.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of approximately 1 day per week in the office, alongside regular site visits across the county (own vehicle required).

Key Responsibilities

  • Process and assess planning applications, Listed Building applications, advertisement consents, notifications and consultations

  • Prepare high-quality committee reports and recommendations

  • Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders

  • Undertake site visits and attend meetings as required

  • Negotiate with developers to achieve positive planning outcomes aligned with Council objectives

  • Assist with appeals, including preparation of statements, proofs of evidence, and attendance at hearings/inquiries

  • Liaise with internal departments, external agencies, parish/town councils, and elected members

  • Support mentoring and supervision of junior staff where required

  • Contribute to service improvement and digital system development

Essential Requirements

  • Degree or Diploma in Town and Country Planning (or related discipline)

  • Significant experience within Development Management / Development Control

  • Strong knowledge of planning legislation, procedures, and policy

  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and report writing skills

  • Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines under pressure

  • IT proficient (Microsoft Office systems)

  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits

  • Basic DBS check required

Desirable Requirements

  • Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

  • Experience working with elected members and parish/town councils

  • Strong legal/procedural planning knowledge

  • Political awareness and stakeholder management experience

Additional Information

  • Must be willing to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with RTPI requirements

  • Flexible working required to meet service needs

  • Role may involve occasional duties outside of core responsibilities consistent with grade

Apply

Send your CV to applications@recruitmentunlimited.co.uk or call 01884 904 980.

Charlotte Sowden
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