Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 15/10/2026

City Northallerton

Province North Yorkshire

Postal Code DL6

Local Authority | 2 Month Contract

Location: Northallerton

Rate: £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35)

Contract: 2 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: 1 Day Per Week Office-Based | Site Visits Required

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Principal Planning Officer to join our dynamic Local Authority Development Management team. The role is ideal for professionals with a proven track record in overseeing multiple large-scale residential projects, each comprising 100+ units, as well as handling intricate planning applications and appeals. The successful candidate will manage a diverse portfolio of significant planning applications, provide expert leadership, mentor team members, and contribute to delivering a top-tier development management service.

This position requires office attendance one day a week and includes conducting site visits throughout the region.

• Oversee a portfolio of major and complex planning applications and related appeals.
• Lead initiatives on large-scale residential and strategic development sites.
• Offer expert planning advice to officers, councillors, applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders.
• Manage major development proposals through the planning process.
• Draft comprehensive planning reports, recommendations, and committee documents.
• Present applications at Planning Committees.
• Conduct site inspections, meetings, and committee site visits.
• Negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.
• Prepare appeal statements, proofs of evidence, and statements of common ground.
• Represent the Local Authority at Hearings, Public Inquiries, and related proceedings.
• Approve decisions prepared by other team members.
• Act as a deputy for Development Managers and Team Leaders when necessary.
• Mentor and support less experienced planning officers.
• Address complaints, inquiries, and Ombudsman investigations as needed.
• Contribute to service enhancements and performance target achievements.
• Assist with Freedom of Information requests and planning-related correspondence.

Requirements:

• Degree, Postgraduate Qualification, or Master's Degree in Planning or a related field.
• Extensive Development Management experience within a Local Authority setting.
• Proven experience in managing major residential planning applications, ideally projects of 100+ units.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management procedures.
• Experience in handling planning appeals and complex planning casework.
• Proficiency in negotiating planning outcomes and developer contributions.
• Experience in presenting applications at Planning Committees.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage a demanding and varied caseload.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Capability to conduct site visits and travel across the area.
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Chartered RTPI Membership (MRTPI).
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience presenting evidence at Public Inquiries.
• Experience working within large and politically sensitive Local Authority environments.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring junior planning staff.

• Office attendance required one day per week.
• Site visits required across the authority area.
• Attendance at evening Planning Committees may be necessary.
• Politically restricted post.
• Opportunity to work on a wide range of major and strategic developments.

• £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35)
• 2 Month Contract
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Major Applications and Strategic Development Caseload
• Flexible Working Arrangement
• Opportunity to work on significant residential development schemes
• Supportive Development Management Team
• Potential Contract Extension