Northallerton, United Kingdom | Posted on 15/10/2026
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Job Description
Local Authority | 2 Month Contract
Location: Northallerton
Rate: £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35)
Contract: 2 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: 1 Day Per Week Office-Based | Site Visits Required
Summary
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Principal Planning Officer to join our dynamic Local Authority Development Management team. The role is ideal for professionals with a proven track record in overseeing multiple large-scale residential projects, each comprising 100+ units, as well as handling intricate planning applications and appeals. The successful candidate will manage a diverse portfolio of significant planning applications, provide expert leadership, mentor team members, and contribute to delivering a top-tier development management service. This position requires office attendance one day a week and includes conducting site visits throughout the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee a portfolio of major and complex planning applications and related appeals.
- Lead initiatives on large-scale residential and strategic development sites.
- Offer expert planning advice to officers, councillors, applicants, agents, developers, and stakeholders.
- Manage major development proposals through the planning process.
- Draft comprehensive planning reports, recommendations, and committee documents.
- Present applications at Planning Committees.
- Conduct site inspections, meetings, and committee site visits.
- Negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.
- Prepare appeal statements, proofs of evidence, and statements of common ground.
- Represent the Local Authority at Hearings, Public Inquiries, and related proceedings.
- Approve decisions prepared by other team members.
- Act as a deputy for Development Managers and Team Leaders when necessary.
- Mentor and support less experienced planning officers.
- Address complaints, inquiries, and Ombudsman investigations as needed.
- Contribute to service enhancements and performance target achievements.
- Assist with Freedom of Information requests and planning-related correspondence.
Requirements
Requirements:
- Degree, Postgraduate Qualification, or Master’s Degree in Planning or a related field.
- Extensive Development Management experience within a Local Authority setting.
- Proven experience in managing major residential planning applications, ideally projects of 100+ units.
- In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management procedures.
- Experience in handling planning appeals and complex planning casework.
- Proficiency in negotiating planning outcomes and developer contributions.
- Experience in presenting applications at Planning Committees.
- Strong report-writing and communication skills.
- Ability to independently manage a demanding and varied caseload.
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- Capability to conduct site visits and travel across the area.
- Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Chartered RTPI Membership (MRTPI).
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Experience presenting evidence at Public Inquiries.
- Experience working within large and politically sensitive Local Authority environments.
- Experience in coaching and mentoring junior planning staff.
Additional
- Office attendance required one day per week.
- Site visits required across the authority area.
- Attendance at evening Planning Committees may be necessary.
- Politically restricted post.
- Opportunity to work on a wide range of major and strategic developments.
What’s on Offer?
- £50.00 per hour (Inside IR35)
- 2 Month Contract
- Bi-Weekly Pay
- Major Applications and Strategic Development Caseload
- Flexible Working Arrangement
- Opportunity to work on significant residential development schemes
- Supportive Development Management Team
- Potential Contract Extension
This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a Principal Planning Officer, Senior Planning Officer, Major Applications Officer, Development Management Officer, Principal Planner, Planning Team Leader, Planning Manager, Development Control Officer, or Strategic Planning Officer.
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