Principal Planning Officer

About the role

The Principal Planning Officer will lead a development management team, ensuring high‑quality planning advice and service delivery in line with the Council's policies and legislation. Reporting to the Area Team/Strategic Development Manager, the role combines supervisory duties with direct responsibility for complex planning applications and appeals.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise junior members of the development management team and delegate decision‑making authority.
• Manage an individual caseload of planning applications, providing recommendations and leading on appeals.
• Represent the Council at planning committees and public inquiries, presenting applications and leading case officers.
• Determine major and complex planning applications, ensuring compliance with national and local planning policies.
• Handle enforcement actions, including prosecutions and related appeals.
• Provide pre‑application advice and interpret planning legislation for customers.

Required profile

• Three years post‑qualification experience in planning or a related field.
• Eligibility for membership of a recognised professional planning body.
• Proven ability to lead a team and make delegated decisions.
• Experience presenting applications to committees and handling public inquiries.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Acts and the national planning policy framework.
• Strong understanding of local borough and London‑wide planning policies.
• Ability to interpret and apply planning legislation and regulations.