Planning Officer / Principal Planning Officer

Senior Planning Officer/Principal Planning Officer (Career Grade)

CAPTION:

• Company: Hyndburn Borough Council


• Salary: £39,152 - £41,771


• Hours: Full-time


• Location: Accrington, BB5 0PF


• Working pattern: Hybrid - 2 days remote


• Job type: Permanent


• Posting date: 18 Aug 2026


• Closing date: 1 Sept 2026

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Summary

Senior Planning Officer/Principal Planning Officer (Career Grade)

£39,152- £41,771 progressing to £41,771- £45,091

37 hours per week

Essential car user

Hyndburn is an attractive and ambitious borough in the heart of Pennine Lancashire, offering excellent connectivity to Manchester, the Lake District and the coast. As we continue to support growth and investment across the borough, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Planning Officer to join our Development Management team.

This career-grade position offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and progression within a supportive and forward-thinking planning service. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and challenging caseload of complex planning applications and appeals, helping to deliver sustainable growth and regeneration across the borough.

We are looking for someone who relishes a challenge and thrives in a busy yet supportive environment. As part of a collaborative Development Management team, you will assess planning proposals, provide professional planning advice, negotiate positive outcomes, and work closely with applicants, developers, elected members, and other stakeholders to secure high-quality development that enhances Hyndburn's communities.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing a wide range of complex development proposals and delivering timely, well-reasoned decisions. You will possess a thorough understanding of the planning system and relevant legislation, together with strong communication, negotiation, and organisational skills. You will also be able to build and maintain effective professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You should be a member of the RTPI or actively working towards membership. Progression beyond the first pay increment of the Senior Planning Officer post will be linked to achieving RTPI Chartered Membership. For appointment at Principal Planning Officer level, RTPI membership is essential. At Principal Planning Officer level, you will manage a caseload of major planning applications and play a key leadership role within the team. You will provide mentoring and professional support to junior colleagues, assist with their development, and support the Planning Manager in the effective operation of the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service.

You should be confident in the use of planning and development management IT systems and committed to delivering excellent customer service and positive planning outcomes.

To undertake site visits and attend meetings, you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

If you are passionate about planning, committed to delivering high-quality development, and want to make a real difference in a borough with ambitious plans for the future, we would love to hear from you.

Candidate Pack - SPO-PPO Career Grade

Closing Date: 12 noon Tuesday 1 September 2026

Vacancy Ref: 2364

Apply for this job

#s1-Gen

Hyndburn is an attractive and ambitious borough in the heart of Pennine Lancashire, offering excellent connectivity to Manchester, the Lake District and the coast. As we continue to support growth and investment across the borough, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Planning Officer to join our Development Management team.

This career-grade position offers an excellent opportunity for professional development and progression within a supportive and forward-thinking planning service. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and challenging caseload of complex planning applications and appeals, helping to deliver sustainable growth and regeneration across the borough.

We are looking for someone who relishes a challenge and thrives in a busy yet supportive environment. As part of a collaborative Development Management team, you will assess planning proposals, provide professional planning advice, negotiate positive outcomes, and work closely with applicants, developers, elected members, and other stakeholders to secure high-quality development that enhances Hyndburn's communities.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing a wide range of complex development proposals and delivering timely, well-reasoned decisions. You will possess a thorough understanding of the planning system and relevant legislation, together with strong communication, negotiation, and organisational skills. You will also be able to build and maintain effective professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You should be a member of the RTPI or actively working towards membership. Progression beyond the first pay increment of the Senior Planning Officer post will be linked to achieving RTPI Chartered Membership. For appointment at Principal Planning Officer level, RTPI membership is essential. At Principal Planning Officer level, you will manage a caseload of major planning applications and play a key leadership role within the team. You will provide mentoring and professional support to junior colleagues, assist with their development, and support the Planning Manager in the effective operation of the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service.

You should be confident in the use of planning and development management IT systems and committed to delivering excellent customer service and positive planning outcomes.

To undertake site visits and attend meetings, you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

If you are passionate about planning, committed to delivering high-quality development, and want to make a real difference in a borough with ambitious plans for the future, we would love to hear from you.