Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Principal Planning Officer, Local Authority (East of England)

Contract: Temporary, Full Time (Initial 6-month contract)
Rate: Up to £55.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid, flexible office presence

A Local Authority in the East of England is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead on a portfolio of major development schemes and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs). This interim role offers a competitive rate of up to £55.00 per hour, an initial 6-month contract, and a flexible office presence arrangement to suit the right candidate.

The Role

You will take a lead role in managing several high-profile major applications totalling approximately 600 residential units. This includes projects currently being brought forward through PPAs. The position requires strong project management, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills to steer proposals from pre-application stage through to determination.

The role will also involve contributing to committee reporting, internal case reviews, and Section 106 negotiations, as well as mentoring junior officers where needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on a caseload of major residential planning applications, including schemes circa 600 units

• Manage the PPA process and maintain close engagement with developers and consultees

• Provide expert advice at all stages of the application lifecycle, including pre-app and post-decision

• Draft and present high-quality reports to Planning Committee

• Negotiate Section 106 agreements and assess viability where appropriate

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely progression of applications

• Support the wider planning team and contribute to service improvement

About You

• Extensive experience in handling major and complex planning applications within a local authority

• Strong understanding of Planning Performance Agreements and related development delivery mechanisms

• Confident in negotiating with developers and presenting at committee

• Excellent report writing, communication, and time management skills

• MRTPI membership or eligibility preferred

• Able to work autonomously and adapt to a hybrid working environment

Why Apply?

• Up to £55.00 per hour (umbrella)

• Initial 6-month contract, with scope for extension

• Flexible hybrid working, tailored to your needs

• Work on significant and high-impact major schemes

• Join a supportive and well-resourced Development Management team

Interested?

To apply or find out more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work closely with Local Authorities across the East of England, recruiting planning professionals at all levels. If this role isn't the right fit, I'd be happy to discuss other opportunities aligned with your experience.