Principal Planning Officer (Majors)

Overview

Join Buckinghamshire Council’s high-performing Major Development Management team and play a key role in delivering some of the most significant development proposals in the area.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to work on complex and varied schemes, develop their expertise, and take real ownership of projects that shape places and communities.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a large unitary authority, delivering services across a diverse area to the west of London. We are forward-looking, ambitious and committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable growth.

Our Major Development Management team operates at scale, managing a strong pipeline of major applications and working proactively with applicants, agents and stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working (minimum 2 days office-based)
• Exposure to interesting, complex and high-profile development proposals
• The opportunity to take ownership of projects and influence outcomes
• Opportunities to contribute to corporate projects and service improvements
• A supportive team environment with experienced colleagues
• Ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities
• A positive work-life balance

About the role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead on a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications, managing proposals from early engagement through to determination.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and determining major and complex planning applications
• Leading on Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
• Negotiating S106 agreements and planning obligations
• Engaging with developers, agents, stakeholders and local communities
• Representing the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries
• Advising elected members and committees
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
• Contributing to service improvement and performance

You’ll work across a diverse area, including strategic growth areas, urban and rural environments, with exposure to a wide range of development types.

About you

You will be a confident and well-organised planning professional with experience in development management. Applications are welcomed from those working in local authorities, consultancies or development organisations.

You will bring:

• Experience of handling major or complex planning applications
• A strong understanding of planning policy and the development process
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Highly organised working practices, with strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Confidence working with a range of stakeholders, including applicants and elected members
• Eligibility for (or membership of) the RTPI

You will be proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable taking ownership of projects.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

For full details about the role, please refer to the job summary attached.

Other information

For an informal discussion, either on-line or in person, contact: Charles Power – 01494 421513 or email [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 understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

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/