Principal Planning Officer

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 24 March 2026
LOCATION
East of England
TYPE
Contract
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£60 / hour
CATEGORY
Town Planning
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Planning S106 agreements Planning Performance Agreements Legislation Casework Appeals

FULL DESCRIPTION

Principal Planning Officer

East of England

Contract

£50 - £60 Per Hour

Key Accountabilities:

  • Manage a broad range of more complex cases and pre-applications with particular emphasis on larger developments including negotiating S106 agreements, Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) and providing resilience and flexibility within the service.
  • Manage complex and/or contentious planning applications, processes and compliance, regulations and legislation, acting as the single point of contact for customers on those cases and attending appeals hearings and public inquiries as appropriate.
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, as well as Members and managing key relationships with partners including Essex County Council and Local Councils and other stakeholders
  • Access and accurately update all relevant information systems, both customer and back office ensuring that the master customer record is updated and maintained through verification and validation, and in accordance with Data Protection principles
  • Prepare and present reports to Area Planning Committees, District Planning Committee, and other internal and external meetings and present evidence/stand as witness at planning appeal hearings and public inquiries

The Experience You Will Bring

  • Educated to degree level in Planning or a relevant subject
  • Thorough working knowledge of practices, methodologies, and legislation within Planning
  • Experienced in complex casework; able to give advice and guidance on a broad range of cases and topics
  • Proven ability to enforce legislation where appropriate
  • Eligibility for Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent

Job Details;

  • Rate - £50.00 - £60.00 p/h
  • Working Pattern - Hybrid (1 day on site per week)
  • Contract Length - Initial 3 month contact, then reviewed every quarter

Hit APPLY below to submit your CV for this role, or connect with me on LinkedIn to hear about my other opportunities and market insights. I'd be more than happy to have a confidential conversation about your experience. You can also contact me at [contact hidden], [contact hidden] or [contact hidden].

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