Principal Planning Officer
- Location: Bridgwater
- Job Type: Full-time
- Initial 4-Month Contract: July Start
We are currently seeking a Principal Planning Officer to handle complex planning casework and achieve strategic outcomes for the Council. This pivotal role involves negotiating proposals to ensure high-quality development, in line with national guidance, planning law, and local plans. The successful candidate will be a key player within the Development Management Service Team, driving strategic priorities and financial goals.
Day-to-day of the role:
- Make informed decisions under the officer scheme of delegation for planning and related applications.
- Provide leadership to deliver strategic priorities and meet financial targets.
- Support and advise senior colleagues at Area Planning and Strategic Planning Committees, presenting applications for decision.
- Update and advise elected members on strategic sites, including providing briefings and training.
- Analyse and evaluate complex technical information to offer professional advice to statutory consultees, other departments, developers, applicants, and the community.
- Balance the demands of council services with the viability of development, making recommendations, determining priorities, and negotiating complex S106 agreements to ensure high-quality development that aligns with adopted planning policy and infrastructure delivery.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience in Change Management and implementing new ways of working within a complex environment.
- Proven experience managing staff and complex situations, using clear judgement to guide others.
- Ability to manage and lead a team effectively in a challenging environment.
- Highly developed analytical skills to prioritise complex and potentially conflicting demands.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, to a wide range of people.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team or independently.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing demands and deadlines.
- Degree level education in Town Planning or a Heritage-related subject, or equivalent level of experience.
- Relevant professional qualification and RTPI Membership.