Principal Planning Officer – internal advert

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Principal Planning Officer to join our team at Wokingham Borough Council on a full time, permanent basis.

As Principal Planning Officer you will be responsible for helping to deliver the Council’s Development Management function and assist in Planning Enforcement, determining complex planning applications within Government timelines, budget and in accordance with the Council’s vision.

The Development Management service deals with nearly all planning applications in the Borough (outside of the Strategic Development Locations which are separately managed by the Strategic Development Team). As Principal Planning Officer you will deal with some of the larger and more complex planning applications submitted in the borough including large scale applications for residential development.

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced town planner, with a strong track record in development management to help drive high quality, sustainable growth in our area, ensuring that development aligns with our strategic priorities and delivers the best solutions for our communities. 

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• And much more!

Key responsibilities

• Proactively manage a mixed caseload of complex planning work, ensuring high quality planning decisions delivering high quality, sustainable development which accords with national and local planning policies and in accordance with procedure and timescales.
• Using specialist technical expertise, negotiation and judgement to bring about improvements to schemes to achieve Wokingham’s strategic priorities.
• Maintain the quality of the environment and the quality of life of residents by taking robust enforcement action where it is in the public interest to do so.
• Act as lead witness at planning appeals, give evidence in Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and Members and manage key relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Working within statutory, Council and Government guidelines and ensuring statutory compliance in the delivery of the service

 Candidate requirements

• Experience of successfully resolving complex planning cases that require a significant element of judgement
• Significant understanding of the political landscape, legislative frameworks, and regional and national drivers
• Postgraduate qualification in Planning which includes accreditation to the RTPI
• Extensive technical planning knowledge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a wealth of pubs and restaurants, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Interview Information:

Closing date: Friday 27^th March 11pm.

Interview date: Mon 30^th and Tuesday 31^st March

If you are applying for the role, please submit an expression of interest on no more than the equivalent of two sides of A4.

For further information in respect of the role, please contact Brian Conlon: brian.conlon@wokingham.gov.uk

This role is currently being advertised internally to Wokingham Borough Council only.  

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.