Senior / Principal Planning Officer (x2)

We are seeking two experienced Senior or Principal Planning Officers to support a busy and diverse Planning Service within a West Midlands local authority. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a proactive team handling a broad range of complex applications and contributing to the delivery of high‑quality development across the district.

You’ll play a key role in managing strategic and major applications, supporting junior officers where required, and ensuring timely decision-making in line with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of major, complex, and strategic planning applications, pre‑application enquiries, and appeals.
• Provide professional planning advice to applicants, agents, councillors, and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee, including defending decisions at appeal when necessary.
• Lead on negotiations with developers to secure high‑quality design, environmental standards, and appropriate planning obligations.

Requirements

• Proven experience operating at Senior or Principal Planning Officer level within a UK local authority.
• Strong understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act, NPPF, and wider planning legislation.
• Track record in handling major or complex development proposals.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, negotiation, and presenting.
• RTPI membership (or working toward it) is desirable but not essential.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive hourly rate up to £55 p/h.
• Flexible hybrid working.
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile developments within an ambitious authority.
• Supportive team culture with scope to influence key planning outcomes.