Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Principal Planning Officer - Development Management Location: Doncaster (Relocation Package included for applicants living outside of the Doncaster region) Salary: £42,123 - £46,579 per annum Contract: Permanent Working Arrangement: Hybrid

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a local authority's Development Management team in Doncaster on a permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established planning professional to take ownership of a varied portfolio of major and complex planning applications, influence development across the area and play a key role in delivering the Council's planning priorities.

You will provide expert planning advice, negotiate with developers, represent the Council at planning appeals and support the development of colleagues through mentoring and guidance.

The Role

As Principal Planning Officer, you will take responsibility for managing complex planning applications from initial discussions through to determination, ensuring that proposals are assessed in line with relevant legislation, planning policies and local priorities.

• Managing your own caseload of major, high-profile and complex planning applications.
• Providing clear and effective Development Management advice to developers, Councillors, senior officers and members of the public.
• Leading pre-application discussions and negotiating with developers to improve proposals and secure high-quality design.
• Advising on Section 106 agreements, including contributions, triggers, timescales and implementation.
• Representing the Council as an expert witness at planning and enforcement appeals, defending decisions where required.
• Preparing and presenting reports and applications to Planning Committee.
• Supporting planning enforcement activity and contributing to the development of planning policies and strategies.
• Working closely with the Planning Policy team on the review of policies and associated planning documents.
• Mentoring and supporting junior planning officers, helping them develop their knowledge and professional skills.
• Supporting the introduction and use of digital planning tools and contributing to the ongoing improvement of the service.

About You

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• An RTPI-accredited degree in Town Planning or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Full RTPI membership or a willingness to work towards professional membership.
• Extensive experience working within a busy Development Management environment.
• A strong track record of managing major and complex planning applications.
• Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, national and local planning policies and Development Management procedures.
• Experience negotiating with developers, including Section 106 agreements and securing high-quality development.
• Experience preparing and presenting evidence at planning appeals and defending Council decisions.
• Confidence presenting applications and reports to Planning Committee.
• Excellent report-writing, communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage a demanding caseload, work to statutory deadlines and maintain high standards of customer service.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or developing more junior colleagues.

You will be proactive, well organised and comfortable working independently, while also contributing positively to a wider multidisciplinary team.

A full UK driving licence is required, as the role involves site visits, stakeholder meetings and attendance at Planning Committee meetings.

What is on Offer?

Permanent employment. Salary of £42,123 - £46,579 per annum. Relocation package. Hybrid working arrangement. Support for ongoing professional development, including CPD, training and mentoring opportunities. The opportunity to work on significant and complex development proposals. A senior position with the opportunity to influence planning decisions and support the development of the wider team.