Principal Planning Officer

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job reference REQ
0002944 Final date to receive applications 09/09/2026 Salary £48,111 to £54,778 per annum (Inclusive of London Fringe Weighting) (Plus £6,000 market forces supplement - subject to review) Package Generous holiday entitlement - outstanding 17.1% employer contribution pension scheme - flexible working patterns - car salary sacrifice scheme Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Person Specification
- Principal Planning Officer.docx

Job Description
- Principal Planning Officer.doc

Just a 25-minute train journey from the centre of London, Dacorum occupies an enviable location just outside the M25 and is home to the towns of Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring. Dacorum is an active and green place which is a centre of business, enterprise and ambition.

As one of the busiest planning authorities in Hertfordshire, we deal with a diverse range of development proposals across our towns and villages, including major regeneration projects, strategic housing sites and applications within the Green Belt. This creates exciting opportunities for planners looking to work on complex and high-profile schemes that shape places and communities.

With the Council's ambitious growth agenda and emerging Local Plan programme, there is an exciting pipeline of major and strategic developments coming forward across the borough. This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of delivering some of Dacorum's most significant planning projects and influencing the future growth of the area. The Council is progressing the Dacorum Local Plan to 2041 while also commencing work on the next Local Plan to 2045, creating a significant programme of development and investment opportunities across the borough.

We are an innovative and ambitious planning service, committed to delivering high-quality development, excellent customer service and continuous improvement.

Are you self-motivated, flexible and passionate about delivering excellent services and driving positive change? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, inclusion and respect?

We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management team.

This is a key senior role within the service, leading on the assessment and delivery of major and strategic planning applications, Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), pre-application enquiries and associated legal agreements. You will work with developers, consultees, elected members and local communities to help deliver high-quality and sustainable development across the Borough.

• Lead on complex major and strategic planning applications from pre-application stage through to determination.
• Negotiate and manage Planning Performance Agreements and complex Section 106 agreements.
• Prepare and present reports to Development Management Committee and other meetings.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and public inquiries.
• Provide high-quality professional advice to councillors, applicants, residents and stakeholders.
• Support, mentor and develop Planning Officers and Lead Planning Officers.
• Contribute to service improvements and the ongoing development of a high-performing planning service.
• Assist the Development Management Manager with team leadership, delegated decision making and the supervision of staff as required.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a leading role in shaping the future of Dacorum through the delivery of sustainable, high-quality development.

The successful candidate must be driven, enthusiastic and reliable. Customer service, quality and efficient ways of working are our key priorities, alongside maintaining a positive, supportive and professional team culture.

Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. The role will require attendance at meetings both within and outside normal working hours when necessary.

A Basic check will be undertaken with the…