34 Principal Planning Officer jobs in the United Kingdom

• Serve as a case officer for a variety of minor, major, and complex applications within the Development Management team.
li>Manage a diverse caseload of complex schemes, working with stakeholders and consultees to deliver housing projects and meet deadlines.
• Draft reports and recommendations for submission to the Planning Committee or for delegated decision-making and S106 negotiations.
• Produce high-quality, well-reasoned reports to meet strict weekly deadlines set each Monday.
• Communicate effectively with councillors, stakeholders, and interested groups in a proactive manner.
• Answer email and telephone inquiries related to your applications.
• Arrange and attend meetings regarding applications with the developer team and consultees.
• Prepare officer reports, including conditions and heads of terms for S106 agreements.
• Possibly present applications to the planning committee and respond to questions from members.
• Act as a point of contact for legal, admin officers, consultees, developers, and other specialists.
• Adhere to data protection and GDPR standards.
• Manage application paperwork, plans, and reports, ensuring electronic records are updated and well-organized.
• Ensure deadlines are met and decisions are issued within agreed timeframes.
• Perform additional duties or functions as requested by management.

< i>MRTPI qualification required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on complex and larger applications in an LPA environment.
< i>Experience in dealing with appeals, including Hearings and Public Inquiries.
• Strong team working skills and ability to build relationships.
• Relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• High-level communication and presentation skills, including clear, concise reporting and correspondence on complex or controversial issues.
• Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse social, economic, and professional backgrounds.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Appreciation of urban design and development economics.
• Valid driving license.
• Availability to attend evening and out-of-hours meetings and events as required.
• Proficiency in Office 365, particularly Excel and Word.
• Good working knowledge and some experience with document management systems and databases.

Our client, is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join their Majors team on a contract basis. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on significant planning projects.

• Assessing and managing major planning applications and projects
• Preparing detailed reports and recommendations for planning committees
• Conducting site inspections and evaluations to inform planning decisions
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant planning legislation and policies
• Engaging with stakeholders, including developers, consultants, and the public
• Providing expert advice and guidance on planning matters to other team members
• Representing the council at meetings, hearings, and appeals

• Extensive experience in town planning, particularly in handling major applications
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and policy framework
• Proficient in preparing and presenting high-quality planning reports
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines efficiently
• Degree in Town Planning or a related field
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RTPI) is desirable

• Opportunity to work on significant and impactful planning projects
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment
• Flexible contract terms, with the potential for extension

If you are an experienced town planner with a passion for major projects and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dedicated team.

• Develop and implement forward planning strategies to support the growth and development objectives of Mid Devon District Council.
li>Lead and manage the preparation of planning policy documents, including local plans and supplementary planning documents.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including local communities, developers, and other council departments, to ensure planning policies are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform planning decisions and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with relevant planning legislation and regulations.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on planning matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage a team of planning officers, providing leadership, support, and professional development opportunities.

< i>Proven experience in a planning role, with a focus on forward planning and policy development.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and information.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Relevant qualifications in planning or a related discipline.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with all necessary documentation verified.

Principal Planning Policy Officer - Policy
South West
£45-55p/h
 
Initial 6 months
 
Job Ref - 60001
 
The council is looking for an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer to be able to come in and hit the ground running. The main purpose of the role will be to support and focus on the local plan.
 
Role Specific
·Flexible working (nearly remote)
·37 hours per week  
·Hourly rate - approx. £5-55 per hour
·Local Authority experience.
 
Carrington West Pay Rate - up to £5 h  
 
Please call Jayden Papy on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email me or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
(url removed) 
 
Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK wide on both a permanent and contract basis and all levels of seniority. If this role is too senior, too junior or in a location that is unsuitable, but you are keen on options, please still feel free to apply and we can discuss other, often unadvertised roles with you.
 

We are looking to appoint a Senior Planning Officer to join a multi-disciplinary, motivated and friendly Development Management Team. Working for two authorities creates the opportunity to build your knowledge on a wide range of planning applications and to help shape and deliver against our ambitious growth agenda while also protecting our strong built and natural environment.

We have a lot to deliver, handling circa 4000 planning applications per year covering a diverse area including urban areas, rural areas and vibrant market towns. We have some significant housing and commercial sites to deliver alongside enabling infrastructure including large scale residential schemes in Broadland's Growth Triangle, key employment sites including enterprise zones, and a newly adopted Local plan for Greater Norwich to deliver against.

We are therefore looking for a Senior Planning Officer to work within one of our area teams that is motivated and ambitious, is a strong team player and ready to play a vital role in helping to create exceptional places to live and work for our residents.

The post requires the ability to drive a car but offers a work/life balance with hybrid home and office working. Office days are located in the modern Horizon office building located just outside the historic City of Norwich, a university and cathedral city with a thriving regional arts scene and cosmopolitan culture situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty including The Broads and the Norfolk Coast. The city has the facilities of a regional capital and great transport links. The offices are served directly by city centre bus connections and has its own Beryl bike docking station as well as plentiful cycle parking.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified to degree level in planning or related discipline.
• Chartered membership of the RTPI or within 1 year-chartered membership.
• Experience in a Development Management Team determining planning applications.
• Full UK Driving License

Closing date: Sunday 17th August 2025 at 11.30pm

Interview date: Tuesday 26th August 2025 - Horizon Business Centre

Why Join Us?

We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.

You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received.

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

DM Planning Officer
London
£28-31 per hour

Initial 6-Month Contract
Job Ref - 59900

My Local Authority Client in a London Borough is looking to source an experienced DM Town Planner to join their Planning Department on an initial 6-month basis.

In this role, you will be responsible for a caseload of householder and minor applications, including minor commercial and residential schemes, as well as conditions.

The role requires two days borough-based per week - typically one office day and one site visit.

To be successful, you must be a qualified town planner with at least 2 years' DM experience, ideally within a London Borough.
 
Job Description available upon request.
 
Please call Jake Herrington on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email me or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
(url removed)
 

• RTPI membership, or eligibility/working towards accreditation
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience, ideally within a local authority planning department
• Strong working knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy
• Demonstrated ability to handle a mixed caseload, including complex and sensitive applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational abilities and time management
• Experience in Green Belt and Conservation planning is essential
• A full, current UK driving licence is required for regular site visits

• Contract: 6-month fixed term
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Location: Hybrid working - 2 days in the office per week
• Rate: £0 - 5 per hour

Carrington West are assisting their local authority client based in the East of England in the search for a Senior Planning Officer to join their Development Management team on a 6-month rolling contract (Additional 6 months expected).
 
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and energetic planning professional who can demonstrate the qualities and potential to successfully deal with an interesting and varied caseload of planning applications, including minors, complex medium to small scale infill developments, majors up to 150 units, pre-application development proposals and strategic applications.
 
To apply for this role, it is essential that you have worked as a development management case officer in a local authority planning department or at an equivalent level in a private practice. The successful candidates must have good fundamental and technical knowledge and understanding of all relevant planning legislation and policies. You will need to have excellent communication and negotiation skills as you will be working in a team environment, as well as dealing with other professionals. We are looking for a motivated self-starter with a can-do attitude.
 
It would be beneficial to hold a Post-graduate degree in planning, regeneration or a related discipline, and have the eligibility for membership of RTPI.
 
The council are looking for candidates who will be able to hit the ground running and carry out fortnightly site visits.
 
Carrington West Pay Rate - £45 to £50per/hour (Negotiable depending on experience)
Job Ref - 59909
 
Please call Cameron de Wit on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email myself or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
(url removed)

Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK wide on both a permanent and contract basis and all levels of seniority. If this role is too senior, too junior or in a location that is unsuitable, but you are keen on options, please still feel free to apply and we can discuss other, often unadvertised roles with you.

Senior Planning Officer  
New Forest National Park Authority
Full and part-time options
£41,895 - £7,216 pa (pay award pending)
 
Job Ref - 58851
 
Carrington West are working exclusively with New Forest National Park Authority.
 
We are looking for a dedicated and highly motivated professional to join the National Park planning team. Working in an exceptionally beautiful and scenic part of the country, you can expect to deal with a wide range of planning applications, appeals and related enquiries. You will already have experience of working in a planning team with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
 
In return, we provide a friendly and supportive work environment where personal development is encouraged. We also offer a range of other benefits including a generous contributory Local Government pension, paid Membership fees to the RTPI, training and development opportunities and flexible work options. The role is based in Lymington with the option of some home working.  
 
Role Specific
·Hybrid working - 2/3 days in the office.  
·37 hours per week  
·£41,895 - £ ,216
·Local Authority experience.
 
 
Interviews are due to take place in July, if this post is of interest, please do get in touch at your earliest convenience to discuss. Further details are available upon request. 

It would aid your application if you are a qualified Town Planner and you must have previous Town Planning experience to be considered.
 
Please call Jayden Papy on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email myself or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
(url removed)