Development/Senior Development Planning Officer - Strategic Projects

Job Introduction

2 year fixed term contract

Are you an ambitious planning professional looking to make a real impact on some of the UK's most significant development projects?

Solihull Council is seeking a Development / Senior Planning Development Officer to join our Development Management Group. This is an exciting opportunity where you will play a leading role in shaping major strategic developments across the UK2 Central Programme impacting the West Midlands region and beyond.

You will:

• Lead on significant and sensitive development proposals from pre-application stage through to implementation
• Develop medium term strategies to ensure projects/proposals are robustly assessed, and stakeholders are engaged at all stages.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and assessments on wide-ranging and complex planning proposals.
• Present evidence at planning appeals, including acting as expert witness at public inquiries.
• Support the determination of minor planning applications as service demands require.
• Undertake planning enforcement duties, including site visits and investigations.

You will be a qualified planning professional or hold a relevant degree with demonstrable planning experience.

You will bring:

• Experience of development management and project delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• The confidence to present complex planning matters to a variety of audiences.
• A proactive, collaborative and customer-focused approach.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are required for this role. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

Why Solihull?

Solihull is one of the most exciting places for planning professionals to build their careers.

The borough is at the heart of the UK Central programme, one of the largest growth initiatives in the country, encompassing major developments associated with Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, Arden Cross, High Speed 2 (HS2) and the National Exhibition Centre.

Alongside these nationally significant projects, we manage a diverse planning portfolio that includes urban centres, thriving rural communities and high-quality Green Belt landscapes. We are also progressing a revised Local Plan, negotiating the complexities of its delivery. We are also working hard to do what is needed to support and welcome the transformative impact of the arrival of HS2 across the borough.

Our ambition is to deliver high-quality development in the right locations while protecting and enhancing our natural and historic environment. We champion excellent design, community benefit and delivery of a cohesive network of green and blue infrastructure.

With a significant development agenda, we are investing in planning services that are well resourced, fit for the future and geared up for delivery. We're looking for talented professionals who combine technical expertise with the ability to engage, influence and inspire confidence among residents, developers and stakeholders alike.

Applicants must also be able to drive, have a driving licence and own a car (or have authorised access to a road worthy vehicle) that is appropriately insured for business purposes, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

We also offer:

• A friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment.
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlements.
• Flexible and agile working including hybrid working.
• A Flexitime scheme.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer-friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Exclusive employee benefits: staff discounts, subsidised travel passes, Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

To apply, please click on the link below and make sure your application is in your own words and reflects your own personal experiences.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Kim Allen, Group Manager – Development Management at kallen@solihull.gov.uk or mobile 07789 050863

Closing date: 6th September 2026

Interviews will be held 16th or 17th September 2026

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate’s current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate’s next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.