Principal Planning Officer
| Posting date: | 20 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £22 to £24 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 July 2025 |
| Location: | Rugby, Warwickshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | SOHLREMIT LIMITED |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | SOHLREC447 |
Summary
Rugby Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Planning Officer to lead on complex and major housing planning applications. This is a pivotal role within our Planning & Development team, offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on housing delivery and growth in the borough. You will be responsible for managing a diverse caseload of large-scale and complex residential planning applications and for leading a small team of planning officers to achieve high standards of service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
• Take the lead on complex major housing applications from pre-application to determination, including appeals if necessary.
• Provide expert planning advice and ensure that applications align with local and national planning policy and guidance.
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports and recommendations to the Planning Committee and attend meetings as the lead officer.
• Liaise and negotiate with applicants, agents, stakeholders, and statutory consultees to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Line manages and mentor a small team of planning staff, overseeing workload management, development, and performance.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments including housing, legal, highways, and environmental services.
• Represent the council at public inquiries, hearings, and community meetings as required.
• Ensure continuous improvement in the performance and standards of the planning service.
Essential Requirements:
• Demonstrable experience in dealing with complex and major housing applications.
• Strong knowledge of current planning legislation, housing policy, and best practice.
• Proven ability to present professionally at Planning Committee and public forums.
• Experience in supervising or line managing staff within a planning environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
Working Arrangements:
• Site presence: Minimum of 2 days per week in the Rugby Borough Council offices.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote working for the remainder of the week.
• Initial 3-month contract, with potential for extension based on performance and service needs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Take the lead on complex major housing applications from pre-application to determination, including appeals if necessary.
• Provide expert planning advice and ensure that applications align with local and national planning policy and guidance.
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports and recommendations to the Planning Committee and attend meetings as the lead officer.
• Liaise and negotiate with applicants, agents, stakeholders, and statutory consultees to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Line manages and mentor a small team of planning staff, overseeing workload management, development, and performance.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments including housing, legal, highways, and environmental services.
• Represent the council at public inquiries, hearings, and community meetings as required.
• Ensure continuous improvement in the performance and standards of the planning service.
Essential Requirements:
• Demonstrable experience in dealing with complex and major housing applications.
• Strong knowledge of current planning legislation, housing policy, and best practice.
• Proven ability to present professionally at Planning Committee and public forums.
• Experience in supervising or line managing staff within a planning environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
Working Arrangements:
• Site presence: Minimum of 2 days per week in the Rugby Borough Council offices.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote working for the remainder of the week.
• Initial 3-month contract, with potential for extension based on performance and service needs.