Principal Planning Officer

Neway International are seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join our client based with North Yorkshire Council.

North Yorkshire Council is one of the largest unitary authorities in England, delivering a wide range of services across diverse communities. Their Planning Service plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development, protecting the natural and built environment, and supporting the county’s long‑term growth. The Development Management team is committed to delivering a proactive, customer‑focused and compliant planning service.

Location:

County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE

Hours:

37 per week
Pay Rates: £39.59 PAYE / £50.00 Umbrella
On‑site Requirement: 1 day per week
Additional:
Candidates must undertake their own site visits.

This temporary assignment supports a peak in workload within the South Team (Selby). The Principal Planning Officer will manage a caseload of complex and major planning applications, with a particular focus on large‑scale residential schemes of approximately 100 units. The role requires strong professional judgement, excellent stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver high‑quality planning outcomes within statutory time frames.

• Act as case officer for complex and major planning applications, including associated appeals.
• Lead on large residential development proposals, managing competing material considerations.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, appeal statements and evidence for Public Inquiries and Hearings.
• Attend Planning Committee, site visits, and internal/external meetings as required.
• Negotiate planning obligations including Section 106 agreements and CIL contributions.
• Provide professional planning advice to Members, stakeholders, applicants, agents and the public.
• Support performance targets, customer service standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice.
• Mentor and support less experienced staff where required.

• Degree, Post‑Graduate or Masters in Planning or related subject.
• Eligible for RTPI Membership (Chartered Membership desirable).
• Proven experience handling major and complex planning applications, particularly large residential schemes.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, regulations and development management processes.
• Experience presenting at Planning Committees, Public Inquiries or Hearings.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Confident in using Microsoft Office and planning‑related IT systems.
• Ability to travel for site visits and attend occasional evening meetings.