Principal Planning Officer – Development Management

Overview

In this role, you lead complex minerals and waste planning for Kent County Council, guiding major proposals from assessment through decision. You will manage a varied caseload, support infrastructure projects, and present reports to Members and Planning Committee. The role blends technical planning expertise with stakeholder engagement and mentoring within a specialist, high-profile field. You will work to deliver sustainable growth and essential infrastructure across the county, with hybrid working and cross-agency collaboration as key features.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• flexible working arrangements
• local government environment
• opportunities for professional development

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of minerals and waste development applications
• Support the determination of applications for the Council’s infrastructure and development projects
• Assess significant and complex proposals and prepare/present reports to Members and Planning Committee
• Represent the Council at planning appeals, hearings, inquiries, and legal proceedings (expert witness where required)
• Support and develop colleagues through mentoring and quality assurance
• Demonstrate sound professional judgement in complex development management; maintain political awareness
• Engage effectively with applicants, consultees, Members and other stakeholders
• Stay informed on current and emerging planning legislation, policy and guidance

Key requirements

• Relevant degree in planning or related environmental or legal discipline
• Chartered Member of RTPI (or eligible for Chartered Membership)
• Knowledge and experience of minerals and/or waste development and/or community development
• Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA development and Appropriate Assessment
• Ability to work with and engage applicants, consultees, Members and stakeholders
• Full UK Driving Licence (required) and willingness to travel across the county

• Strong political awareness
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Mentoring and team development
• EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
• Appropriate Assessment
• Development management for major developments

…