Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications)

• Principal_Planning_Officer__Planning_Applications__JD_SBC_March_26

Please apply online via the link provided.

Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications)

Lead, Mentor, and Make an Impact

For senior planners ready to take the next step, this is a sought-after chance to combine leadership with hands-on, complex casework. As Principal Planning Officer, you’ll oversee some of the most challenging planning applications while guiding the next generation of planning professionals.

Step Up, Mentor, and Shape the Future – Principal Planning Officer

This isn’t just a technical role - it’s an opportunity to lead with influence. You’ll provide daily mentoring, sign-off on complex applications, and ensure the service delivers high-quality, efficient outcomes. You’ll also act as a key expert for householders, developers, and landowners, representing the Council at appeals, inquiries, and in Section 106 negotiations.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop your leadership experience by supporting and guiding junior staff in a collaborative environment.

• High-Level Exposure: Manage complex cases and negotiations, while representing the Council at hearings and examinations.

• Total Reward: Competitive Grade 8 salary, hybrid working model (average 2 days in-office), 34 hour week and ongoing professional development opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

A proactive, ambitious planner with expert knowledge, excellent judgement, and a commitment to improving outcomes for customers and the community. This is the perfect role for someone ready to grow as a leader without stepping away from the challenging, meaningful work they love.

About Swale Borough Council:

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.

• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.

• Free parking

• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities

• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.

• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

• Annual flu vaccine

• Cycle to work scheme

• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping

• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals

• A professional fee payment, if required for the role