Principal Planning Officer

Are you an experienced planning professional ready to play a key role in shaping the future of one of the South East's most attractive boroughs?

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Planning Policy team on an 18 month contract.This is an exciting opportunity to lead on planning policy matters influencing the future growth and development of the borough, and represent the Council at a senior level throughout the planning process.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will act as the lead professional on a range of planning policy topics. You will commission and oversee consultant work, analyse evidence, prepare policy documents, draft planning policies, and could be required to represent the Council at the Local Plan Examination.

You will work closely with elected Members, neighbourhood planning groups, neighbouring authorities, developers, statutory consultees, and local communities, helping to deliver effective planning outcomes and supporting the Council's strategic objectives. The role also includes providing expert planning policy advice to Development Management colleagues and mentoring less experienced officers when required.

What we're looking for

You will be a qualified planning professional with:

• Full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Extensive experience in planning policy and/or Development Management.
• Significant experience representing organisations at planning examinations or public hearings.
• Experience presenting complex planning matters to Members, committees, working groups, or similar forums.
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, policy and guidance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and translate evidence into robust planning policy.
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and consistently meet deadlines.

This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check

This is a politically restricted post

What we offer:

• Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure. A starting salary of £51,038 increasing to £52,381 after one years service.
• Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 16.8%.
• Free staff parking.
• Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
• Access to HAPI an all‑in‑one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
• Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
• To learn more about working at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, explore the kind of place we are, work that matters with people who care, and our pay, benefits, and hybrid working.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.