Principal Planning Officer

Grade 9 – 10 £42,107 - £51,201 including local weighting, +£3500 Market Supplement*

Full Time, 37 hours per week, permanent. Blended working available, Hertford. Closing on 27th November 2023

Are you a senior planning professional looking for a change? Could you thrive in a progressive public sector environment making a real difference to the resident of East Herts?

If so, we’re looking for a Principal Planning Officer to support exciting developments across East Hertfordshire and ensure we can meet the planning challenges of the 2020s and beyond.

This is a great opportunity for a planning professional with experience dealing with major development proposals to join our organisation, situated in this rich and diverse and historic environment.

You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of unique new development sites in the district, helping us reach for a greener planet, protect our unique array of heritage assets and conserve the beautiful natural environment that surrounds us.

So, if you want to join us at the head of the curve and become an innovator, designer and environmentalist helping to plan a prosperous future for East Hertfordshire, then apply today!

*In line with their pay policy, EHC will review the application of the Market Forces Supplement annually, and if warranted, will make adjustments in liaison with affected staff.

The Role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will manage a caseload of complex planning and related applications, including pre-application submissions, focusing on development management.

Providing a service that is efficient and effective, you will oversee all stages of the process from initial assessment, through to committee reporting, legal agreements, conditions and appeals.

You will also keep up to date with case laws, national and local policies and community needs to ensure that the planning process can deliver the best outputs and outcomes.

Additionally, you will:

- Present casework to decision making committees and in other public meetings
- Respond promptly to customers’ needs
- Provide guidance, training and support to other team members

This role will require you to visit and inspect land and development sites and other locations both within and beyond the district.

About You

To be considered as a Principal Planning Officer, you will need:

- Experience dealing with major development proposals
- Experience and understanding of the planning legal obligation process
- Project management experience
- Experience dealing with planning issues and communicating these at committees and public meetings
- Experience guiding, mentoring and supporting junior colleagues
- A degree in Town and Country Planning and/or post graduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (or equivalent)
- A current, valid driving licence, access to your own vehicle and the ability to travel across the district, occasionally at short notice

Other organisations may call this role Council Planning Officer, Senior Planning Co-ordinator, Environmental Planning Executive, Senior Planning Development Officer, or Planning Applications Officer.

How to apply

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Rachael Collard, Principal Planning Officer on 01992531460.

Closing date: 27th November at midnight.

Interviews will be held on: Week Commencing 4th December 2023.

So, if you’re ready for a new and stimulating challenge as a Principal Planning Officer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.