Principal Planning Officer / Senior Compliance Officer (Planning)

We are looking for an experienced Planning professional to support a busy Development Management and Planning Enforcement service. This role combines responsibility for managing major planning applications with investigating complex breaches of planning control, ensuring development is delivered in accordance with planning permissions and relevant legislation.

You will work closely with developers, applicants, legal teams, elected members, residents, statutory consultees and senior officers, providing expert planning advice and representing the Council at committees, hearings, appeals and public inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of major and strategic planning applications from pre-application stage through to determination.
• Provide professional planning advice to developers, applicants, agents, councillors and other stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits, planning assessments, research and consultations to support decision-making.
• Lead negotiations on complex development proposals, including planning obligations and Section 106 agreements.
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations and planning applications for committee consideration.
• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control and assess compliance with approved plans and planning conditions.
• Undertake site inspections, gather evidence, review planning histories and conduct interviews where necessary.
• Negotiate with landowners, developers and agents to achieve compliance and resolve planning issues.
• Prepare enforcement notices, statements, evidence packs and associated legal documentation.
• Liaise with Legal Services and other departments regarding enforcement action, appeals and prosecutions.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees, Public Inquiries, Informal Hearings, Court Hearings and Planning Appeals.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to colleagues on complex planning and enforcement matters.
• Support service improvement initiatives, performance monitoring and customer service delivery.
• Assist with member training, officer development and collaborative working across Planning Services.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure work is delivered within statutory deadlines and performance targets.

Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography or a related discipline.

Significant experience within Development Management and/or Planning Enforcement.

Proven experience dealing with complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement cases.

Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance, including Development Management and Enforcement processes.

Experience preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations to elected members.

Ability to interpret technical drawings, planning documents and development proposals.

Excellent report writing, communication and negotiation skills.

Experience working with stakeholders including developers, agents, legal teams and local communities.

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Knowledge of relevant legislation including planning enforcement procedures, PACE and RIPA.

Proficiency in planning software and ICT systems.

Full UK Driving Licence and ability to undertake site visits.

Desirable Requirements

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or related discipline.

Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting planning officers.

Experience acting as an expert witness at hearings, appeals or inquiries.

Knowledge of Section 106 Agreements and Planning Performance Agreements.

Experience within a Local Authority Planning Service.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be a confident planning professional with experience across development management and planning enforcement. You will be capable of handling complex cases, building effective relationships with stakeholders and delivering high-quality planning outcomes within a local government environment.