Principal Planning Technician

Overview

Would you like to take your next steps in your Validation career? If so then this might be the role for you.  Working with the Technical, Commercial and Innovation Service Team, we have a vacancy for a permanent Principal Planning Technician within our Planning Validation Team.

This position is being advertised for Buckinghamshire Council internal and agency employees only.

About us

The Planning Validation Team plays a crucial role in the Development Management process, validating all planning applications received by Buckinghamshire Council.  The team is part of the wider Planning and Environment Service, and works closely with colleagues in the development management teams as well as with other stakeholders

If you are enthusiastic about the role planning plays in place making and shaping the future of Buckinghamshire, then we would like to hear from you!

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

This role is focussed on providing technical support, advice and information functions at a senior level.  It includes validating planning applications as well as similar notification and consent applications, planning application processing support, provision of general planning advice and document management.

As a Principal Planning Technician, you may be expected to deputise for your team leader during periods of leave.  You may also be responsible for workload management for identified team members. 

Our Principal Planning Technicians provide expert advice, are able to interpret legislation and use their technical expertise in taking a proactive role in the way services are provided.

About you

You should have significant, practical experience in dealing with all application types to a high standard and capable of providing advice and guidance to your colleagues.

You’ll have a great understanding of the planning system, understanding the regulations and relevant legislation, and be willing to contribute your ideas to improve our current practices.

You will be a skilled communicator, and able to demonstrate great interpersonal skills in building relationships with colleagues and customers

Planning and organisation skills are a vital part of this role, so you should be able to manage a range of competing activities, and deliver results within tight timescales.

You’ll be able to research and analyse data, and be able to “problem-solve”.

Above all, you’ll be passionate about place-making and about the difference that planning makes to our community. 

Other information

Please see the attached job summary for further information on this role and person specification.

This is a full time permanent position, working a 37 hour week Monday to Friday.

The council operates a hybrid working system and so you will be expected to work from one of our office bases twice a week.

Number of positions available: 1

Closing Date: Friday 11^th July 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 16^th July 2025 - TBC

Interview-type/process: MS Teams

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Rachael Day, Technical, Commercial and Innovation Manager: [email protected]

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/