Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer | Western Home Counties | Up to £65 per hour

Hybrid Principal Planning Officer Opportunity in the Western Home Counties paying up to £65 per hour

Initial 6-month contract with strong potential to extend

I am currently partnering with a Local Authority in the Western Home Counties seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join their busy Development Management team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner looking for a role that offers genuine flexibility, autonomy and an interesting mix of major applications within a supportive and well-established team.

The Role

You'll be leading on a varied portfolio of complex planning applications, including large-scale residential developments, Green Belt proposals, data centre schemes and major commercial projects. There is also the opportunity to become involved in several high-profile strategic developments within the authority.

The Responsibilities

• Lead on a caseload of major and strategic planning applications.
• Manage large-scale residential developments, including schemes of 100+ units.
• Assess complex Green Belt, commercial and infrastructure proposals.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.
• Support and mentor junior members of the planning team.

Experience Needed

• Previous Local Authority Development Management experience at Senior or Principal level.
• Strong experience handling major planning applications.
• Excellent understanding of planning legislation and policy.
• Experience presenting applications to Planning Committee.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What's on Offer

• Up to £65 per hour (umbrella).
• Initial 6-month contract with strong extension prospects.
• Highly flexible hybrid working, with office attendance typically around once a week or less.
• Choice of office location depending on what works best for you.
• Exposure to major housing schemes, Green Belt applications, data centres, major commercial projects and other strategic developments.
• A supportive and experienced planning team with plenty of autonomy.

If you are interested in this opportunity to join a great team on an interim basis and earn well, please get in touch on [phone removed] or email your CV to [email removed]