Principal Planning Officer

We are working closely with local authority in Somerset to assist with the appointment of a Principal Planning Officer, on a 3-months contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration., The Principal Planning Officer (Grade 8) is responsible for managing a portfolio of complex and high-profile planning applications, delivering high-quality development management services that support Somerset Council's strategic priorities and sustainable growth objectives. The postholder exercises delegated authority to determine planning applications, provides expert planning advice, negotiates complex development proposals, and ensures compliance with national planning legislation, local planning policies, and statutory guidance.,

• Manage a complex caseload of major, strategic, and sensitive planning applications from pre-application through to determination.
• Determine planning applications and related submissions under the Council's Scheme of Delegation, ensuring decisions are lawful, robust, and consistent with planning policy.
• Assess development proposals against national planning legislation, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local plans, supplementary planning documents, and other material considerations.
• Prepare comprehensive committee reports, delegated reports, and professional recommendations for planning applications.
• Present applications, recommendations, and professional advice at Area Planning Committees, Strategic Planning Committees, member briefings, and public meetings.
  
  Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or a closely related discipline.
• Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or eligibility to obtain chartered membership.
Essentials:
• Thorough knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), planning regulations, and related legislation.
• Demonstrable experience exercising delegated planning powers and signing off delegated planning decisions.
• Proven experience negotiating complex Section 106 Agreements, planning obligations, and development mitigation measures.
Please note:
• You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
• You should have right to work in U.K