Principal Planning Officer

Principal Planning Officer –

Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Walsall

Salary
: £47,181 – £50,269 (G10)

Service Area
:
Development Management

Special Conditions
:
Evening/out-of-hours meetings

Walsall Council is undertaking a £1.5 billion regeneration programme that will transform the borough into a thriving destination. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a key role in supporting these regeneration programmes and other significant developments, shaping proposals through effective pre‑application advice and managing major planning applications through to determination.

• Lead on significant and complex major planning applications, including enforcement matters and protected trees.
• Determine applications under delegated powers and prepare Committee reports.
• Present reports at Planning Committee and attend public meetings as required.
• Provide high‑quality professional advice to developers, agents, Councillors and stakeholders to support regeneration and major projects.
• Support and supervise Development Management officers, contributing to team development and performance.
• Represent the Council at appeals, Public Inquiries and enforcement proceedings.
• Contribute to policy development, service improvements and maintenance of accurate planning and enforcement records.
• Authorise householder and some minor planning applications.

• A recognised Post Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree in Town Planning and Member of the RTPI or working towards accreditation.
• Proven experience handling major/complex applications and delivering pre‑application advice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to mentor and support team members.
• Full driving licence (car mileage allowance applies).

You’ll influence the delivery of transformational development across Walsall and help shape a forward‑thinking, customer focused planning service.

• Flexible working hours
• Blended working from office/home
• Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave and flexi leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

For further information please call Stephanie Hollands – Team Leader Development Management

Closing Date:
Sunday 11th January 2026.