Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer

Grade H £42,839 to £51,356 per annum (dependent on qualifications & experience) plus £3,000 market supplement

The Role

With significant regeneration and development aspirations for the Borough of Havant, we are looking for an experienced professional to join our hard working and dedicated Development Management team to play a key role in our plans.

The post offers a wide range of casework, encompassing not just the Borough's built environment but also the important natural landscape designations that make it an attractive place to work. You'll also enjoy line management responsibilities for 1 or 2 members of staff.

This is a great opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future prosperity of our residents, businesses and customers.

What we offer

• A competitive salary
• Support for your continuous professional development
• Generous Leave Allowance
• Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work-life balance
• Family Friendly Packages
• A comprehensive benefits package, find out more on our website

You should have:

You will have experience of major and complex planning cases and appeals and the ability to provide sound advice and judgements for a range of audiences, including elected Members of the Council. Previous line management experience is desirable but not essential.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Paul Barton, Interim Head of Planning on or

To Apply

If you can ensure that the right development happens in the right place; and that approved development takes place to a good standard and in a timely manner, then you are the kind of person we want to hear from!

Please click on the 'apply button' and complete the short application process (3 4) minutes.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 29 March 2026 and interviews will be held week commencing 13 April 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.