Principal Planning Officer

Rate: £50 per hour (Inside IR35)
Contract: 3 months
Location: Doncaster (Hybrid)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to support a company's Planning Service.

You will play a key role in delivering planning services, providing specialist advice across Development Management and Planning Policy, managing major planning applications and supporting the development and implementation of planning policies and strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional with strong Local Authority experience and the ability to manage complex planning matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of major and other planning applications, making decisions in line with the Council's scheme of delegation.

• Provide specialist planning advice across Development Management and Planning Policy.

• Support the development, preparation and review of Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans and other planning policy documents.

• Prepare evidence documents, undertake research and data analysis to support planning policy.

• Advise on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements, including policy development and implementation.

• Lead pre-application discussions and negotiations with developers to improve proposals and ensure compliance with planning policies.

• Represent the Council at planning appeals, examinations and public inquiries, acting as an expert witness where required.

• Provide advice and support on planning enforcement matters.

• Support the wider Planning Services Management Team and provide guidance to colleagues where required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level qualification in Planning or an equivalent qualification.

• Full RTPI membership or clear evidence of working towards membership.

• Demonstrable Local Authority planning experience.

• Experience in Planning Policy, including the preparation of Local Plans and policy documents, and/or experience managing major planning applications.

• Experience preparing and presenting evidence at planning appeals or Local Plan examinations.

• Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex planning matters clearly.

• Previous experience of supervising or managing staff.

• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).