Principal Planning Officer

There is an exciting opportunity to join Sandwell Council in the role of a Principal Planning Officer!

Your responsibilities will be:

• Managing and monitoring the performance of a team of officers dealing with all aspects of Development Planning and in doing so, meet relevant performance targets.
• Processing planning, Listed Buildings, Advertisements and related applications, prepare reports, make recommendations, prepare decision notices in accordance with the policies and proposals of the Development Plan and relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance.
• To liaise with other agencies, organisations and stakeholders on planning issues as they affect Development Planning.
• To input into the monitoring of the Development Plan.
• To negotiate with applicants amendments to proposals at all stages of the development process and to secure the highest standard of Urban Design.
• To assist the Development Planning Manager with delegated decisions and the supervision of planning enforcement and planning technicians as and when required.
• To undertake the enforcement of planning control as appropriate.
• To prepare appropriate documentation and represent the Council as a professional witness at Planning Inquiries, hearings and written representation appeals.
• To negotiate Section 106 agreements to achieve maximum value from changes to the urban fabric.
• To assess, interpret and implement government enactments, statutory instruments, regulations, circulars and planning policy guidance.
• To prepare and co-ordinate briefings for members and officers on all planning matters as they relate to Development Planning.
• To respond to consultations from other planning authorities on planning applications.
• To answer complaints and general correspondence on planning matters as they relate to Development Planning.
• To organise public participation/consultation on planning applications, proposals and appeals.
• To provide advice to elected representatives and the general public and external organisations.
• To provide advice on Development Planning matters to other sections and divisions.
• To produce work programmes and allocate work within the team.
• To hold regular team meetings.
• To contribute to the Development Plan.
• To deputise for the Development Planning Manager when required including Committee agenda preparation and attendance at Planning Committee.
• To actively participate in the Council’s and Divisional Customer Care and Quality Policies Procedures.
• To actively participate in the Council’s Equality policies and undertake all duties in a non-discriminatory manner.

Essential Requirements:

• MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division). Degree in Town and Country Planning. Post graduate qualification recognised by the RTPI.
• Planning experience generally and considerable experience of Development Planning (at least 5 years post qualification).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and self-motivation to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically in challenging situations.
• Ability to respond positively and sensitively when dealing with individuals who may be upset, distressed, angry or confrontational.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Willingness to take responsibility and make sound, informed decisions.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with developers, applicants, consultees and other interested parties to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to mediate between conflicting interests and facilitate balanced, practical solutions.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, elected Members, external agencies and members of the public.

About You:

You will deal with a varied and interesting caseload within the Development Management Team, drawing upon your knowledge and experience of processing and managing planning applications and projects. You will be required to interpret the complexities of permitted development legislation and interact with a range of agencies, organisations and internal departments. The post also includes an element of planning enforcement work. You will also be responsible for a number of planning officers offering advice, and guidance, as well as participating in the Council’s appraisals systems for your team.

For the role of Principal Planning Officer, you will need:

• Experience of dealing minor and major planning applications.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of planning law and practice.
• A recognised qualification in Town Planning or substantial experience gained within the planning profession.
• Full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership, with 5 years post experience.
• Good computer literacy skills.
• The ability to manage a caseload of applications effectively.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.

You will be required to attend regular Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits, so flexibility, a full driving licence and access to a car are essential. You will also need to be able to travel independently throughout the Borough.

Closing date: 23rd October 2026, with shortlisting planned for the following week.

Please note: You will be required to work 37 hours a week.

Please submit a CV and supporting statement to: william_stevens@sandwell.gov.uk before the closing date.

We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to submit your CV as soon as possible. When submitting your CV and supporting statement, please refer to the supporting documents attached.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact william_stevens@sandwell.gov.uk

For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/counciljobs

Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours
https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/WeAreSandwell/council/story

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