Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

A Surrey-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Planning Officer to join their Development Management team on a 12-month interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional to play a key role in progressing a diverse caseload of complex and high-impact planning applications.

About the Role

The successful candidate will act as case officer for a range of minor, major, and complex applications, taking responsibility for full-cycle case management, from early engagement with applicants and stakeholders to drafting detailed officer reports, negotiating Section 106 agreements, and potentially presenting at Planning Committee.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a varied caseload of planning applications with minimal supervision

• Preparing clear, well-reasoned officer reports and conditions

• Liaising with developers, legal teams, consultees, and stakeholders

• Ensuring weekly performance deadlines are met

• Supporting high-quality housing delivery across the borough

• Representing the authority at hearings, inquiries, and committee meetings as required

What We're Looking For

You'll need to be a proactive and capable planning professional who can work independently while maintaining service quality and timeliness. You should have:

• MRTPI qualification

• Minimum 3 years' experience in handling complex and major planning applications within a local authority setting

• Experience in appeals, including Hearings and Public Inquiries

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• Solid understanding of urban design, development economics, and planning legislation

• Proficiency with Office 365 and planning software/document management systems

• A valid driving licence and willingness to attend occasional evening meetings

Why Apply?

• Flexible hybrid working - with only one in-office day per week

• Opportunity to lead on meaningful developments within a supportive team

• Competitive rate up to £60/hour (inside IR35)

• Join a well-structured service with high expectations and clear processes

Interested?

Please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk to apply or discuss the role in more detail.

Not all roles are advertised, I also work with several other authorities across the region and would be happy to have a confidential discussion about your next move.