Principal Planning Officer; Majors

If you have substantial relevant experience as a technical expert in the planning or environmental sector and are looking to develop your career, this could be the role for you.

By joining us as a Principal Planning Officer at Buckinghamshire Council, you’ll not only be offered a competitive benefits package, you’ll also be part of a team committed to shaping the future of Buckinghamshire for generations to come.

As one of the largest Council’s in the country Buckinghamshire covers an area of 724sq miles to the west of London and is one of the England’s ‘Big 8’ Council’s.

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous four district authorities with the County Council 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.

At Buckinghamshire Council we are dedicated to delivering high-quality planning services to the residents of Buckinghamshire. The Major Development Management team is responsible for the performance management of Major applications across the whole of the Buckinghamshire Council area with a focus on the use of Planning Performance Agreement’s in which we have established an innovative approach. This role will work collaboratively with the rest of the Development Management to provide strategic direction and vision for the service to all stakeholders.

The team also plays a crucial role in planning appeal inquiries and hearings and providing expert advice to elected members and committees, ensuring that the planning process is transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the community.

In addition to their technical expertise, the Development Management Team is committed to fostering a collaborative and customer-focused approach. They work closely with various stakeholders, including other council departments, local communities, and external bodies, to achieve key planning outcomes. The team is proactive in driving service improvements and adopting innovative practices to enhance productivity and service delivery. With a strong emphasis on performance management and continuous professional development, the Buckinghamshire Council Major Development Management Team alongside the Development Management Area Teams strives to maintain a resilient and adaptable service that meets the evolving needs of the residents and supports the Council’s strategic objectives.

Working as part of a friendly team you’ll be responsible for managing and determining complex planning applications and lead on providing professional advice through all stages of the planning process, including Planning Performance Agreements, S106 negotiations and planning appeals as you provide a high-quality service that is responsive to customer demands. You will also mentor planning officers, contribute to strategic planning, and help drive performance and income targets.

The role is presently based in our South/East Majors team, which includes the market towns of Amersham, Chesham and Beaconsfield. The area covered by the team offers a wide range of opportunities across both urban and rural environments.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are therefore essential to this role. This is a highly rewarding and fulfilling role - you’ll see the impact of your work in front of you

Rachel, a Principal Planning Officer at Buckinghamshire council, recently described her role and experience with the Council.

" As Principal Planning Officer at Buckinghamshire Council, I manage large strategic applications that support the government’s growth agenda. The role has strengthened my autonomy and decision‑making on complex projects, while allowing me to shape design work, including developing design codes with the Urban Design team. I’m supported by a highly skilled planning team who are generous with their knowledge and foster a workplace that is both professional and enjoyable"

Charles Power, Major Development Manager at…