Principal Planning Officer

The Development Management Team in the Planning Directorate at Epping Forest District Council needs a Principal Planning Officer to lead the statutory planning service. The work centres on complex planning applications and major development projects, including negotiating proposals, preparing recommendations and presenting cases at Planning Committee and inquiries. The post is hybrid with one office day on Thursdays, and includes mentoring junior staff and holding delegated authority to decide applications.

Full RTPI membership, or eligibility for it, is required.

• Lead the delivery of the Council's statutory planning functions
• Manage a varied caseload of complex planning applications and major development projects
• Negotiate planning proposals with applicants and stakeholders
• Prepare recommendations on planning applications
• Work with applicants, stakeholders and elected Members to secure the best development outcomes
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees, public inquiries, hearings and other formal proceedings
• Undertake delegated management responsibilities
• Authorise planning decisions where appropriate
• Support and mentor junior colleagues
• Deliver a high-quality, consistent and responsive planning service within the Development Management Service
• Demonstrate sound planning judgement
• Build effective relationships with developers, investors, consultees, elected Members and local communities

• Member of, or eligible for, full RTPI membership

• Experienced planning professional

• Strong communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Sound planning judgement
• Ability to build relationships with developers, investors, consultees, Members and communities

• Commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults

• Hybrid working with one office day a week (Thursday)