Principal Planner

Principal Planner

Salary: £47,181 - £51,356

Location:

Selby, North Yorkshire

Job Type: Full Time

Expires: 16/08/2026

North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Services are at the heart of change, helping communities grow and thrive across one of the most diverse landscapes in the UK. We are looking for an experienced planner with a passion for shaping communities and a proven record of managing complex, high-profile development proposals.

Role summary

As a Principal Planning Officer you will manage a varied portfolio of major and complex planning applications, guide strategic development projects, and influence decisions that will have lasting impact on North Yorkshire’s communities, economy and environment.

Key responsibilities

• Leading on major and strategically important planning applications.
• Managing complex development proposals from pre‑application stage through to determination and appeal.
• Presenting reports and recommendations to Planning Committees.
• Acting as case officer for major and often high‑profile planning applications and appeals.
• Project‑managing strategic development sites.
• Negotiating community benefits through Section 106 agreements and CIL.
• Providing expert planning advice to stakeholders and colleagues.
• Mentoring and supporting colleagues, sharing your planning expertise across the service.
• Investigating and responding to planning‑related complaints and queries.

Knowledge and Experience

• Degree, Post‑Graduate Degree or master’s in planning or related subject.
• Eligible for Membership of RTPI.
• Evidence of working on major and complex cases.
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation and regulations.
• Ability to organise workloads and manage time to strict deadlines.
• Confidence in working within a political and stakeholder‑rich environment.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or supervising planning colleagues.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid working with flexible practices and hours, supported by effective technologies.
• A generous annual leave offer – 28 days of holiday (pro‑rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
• An excellent pension through our Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A supportive team culture: work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment.

Contact and Apply

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact John Worthington, Development Service Manager (John.W) or Nick Turpin, Development Service Manager (N). Please note we do not require you to submit multiple applications – simply indicate your preferred location in the application form.