Principal Planning Officer; Development

Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Grade 9 £ 42,839.00 - £47,181.00 (pay award pending)

Full Time, Permanent

37 hours per week

Bassetlaw District Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) to join our high-performing Planning Service. This is a key leadership role at an exciting time, as we progress ambitious regeneration, strategic growth sites and respond to the opportunities presented through Local Government Reorganisation.

This is your opportunity to take the lead on complex and high‑profile planning projects that will shape the district’s future—while influencing how planning services are delivered and continuously improved.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the Council’s statutory development management responsibilities and supporting high-quality, sustainable development across Bassetlaw.

• Lead on major, complex and politically sensitive planning applications, including strategic and allocated sites
• Manage and advise on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and Development Consent Orders
• Provide expert professional advice to Members, senior officers, developers and stakeholders
• Negotiate and secure planning obligations and community benefits through legal agreements
• Represent the Council at Planning Committee, appeals and public inquiries, including as an expert witness
• Support service improvement, innovation and income generation through pre‑application services and PPAs
• Mentor and develop junior colleagues, helping to build a resilient and future‑ready planning service

You will also play a key role in building strong partnerships across the region, supporting delivery of major initiatives including strategic growth and infrastructure programmes.

We are looking for a confident and commercially aware planning professional who can operate effectively at a senior level.

You will bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning or a related discipline
• RTPI membership (or eligibility)
• Significant experience of development management, including major and strategic applications
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and complex development considerations
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence and build relationships with developers, Members and communities
• Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting at committee and appeal forums
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure

Experience of public inquiries, viability, NSIPs or mentoring staff will be advantageous.

We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26‑32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and designed to ensure that everyone is treated equally at every stage.

For further enquiries, contact Richard Riggs (Development Manager) at Ri

Closing date: 5 June 2026