Principal Planning Officer

Good Growth 

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

 

About the team 

The Oxford Street Transformation team was established to deliver on the Mayor’s ambition for Oxford Street as set out in his joint announcement with the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in September 2024. The team is responsible for delivering the Mayor’s vision to turn Oxford Street into a premier shopping and leisure destination, that reflects its place at the centre of a global city, attracting tourists and locals alike, and generating significant economic activity. A flagship project demonstrating the Mayor’s commitment to high streets and to London's global status, proposals include:

• Creating a pedestrianised boulevard to unlock the full potential of the street, creating beautiful public space and allowing for activation with a curated offer that promotes an attractive activity and trading offer
• Delivering a greener, more sustainable and climate resilient district – showcasing innovation in environmental and ecological design, supporting circular economy principles
• Creating an inclusive neighbourhood that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, removing barriers to participation and accessibility
• Harnessing exemplar design that showcases the best of London’s talent, assets and opportunities – a place that Londoners feel proud of and those coming to London want to visit, invest in and return to.

 

About the role 

As part of the GLA Oxford Street Transformation team, the post holder will contribute to developing operational proposals for the transfer of planning functions to a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to manage the regeneration of Oxford Street in line with the Mayor’s proposals and working closely with boroughs partners, GLA teams and relevant government departments in the process. If a decision is subsequently made to create the MDC (subject to the outcome of a recent consultation), the post holder will contribute to setting up its planning department and would be expected to transfer to its Development Management team—contributing to the delivery of an efficient and proactive Development Management and planning service by managing a diverse caseload of planning applications and supporting the efficient day-to-day running of the team.

This is a unique, high-profile opportunity to shape the activities and structure of a new planning authority. We will be seeking those with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach who are excited to create something new.

This role’s transfer into the MDC (if established, subject to the outcome of a recent consultation) is expected, but would be dependent on confirmation of the detailed organisational design.

 

What your day will look like 

As part of the GLA Oxford Street Transformation team:

• To lead on the development of proposals to deliver a high quality, effective and efficient development management and planning service in line with Mayoral proposals to establish a new MDC to manage the regeneration of Oxford Street.
• Contribute to the early implementation of such proposals and initial set up of the MDC’s planning function, if a decision is made to establish it. 

As part of the MDC, if established:

• Support the efficient day-to-day running of the Development Management service by monitoring and reviewing procedures and processes and contributing to the delivery of service improvement measures.
• Provide advice and briefings to senior management, Planning Committee and Board members on planning matters and represent the Corporation at meetings with key stakeholders including members of the public.
• Manage and assess a diverse caseload of planning applications in accordance with agreed performance targets by ensuring prompt registration and validation, consultation with stakeholders and compliance with statutory requirements. Prepare written reports for decision securing positive planning outcomes that contribute to the delivery of planning and regeneration objectives for Oxford Street.
• Proactively evaluate pre-application proposals, advising on planning policy compliance, the form and content of planning applications, procedural matters and all other relevant planning issues and negotiating Planning Performance Agreements as appropriate.
• Line manage Senior Planning Officers and other planning staff as appropriate and supervise their work on planning applications and pre-application proposals.
• Prepare statements of case and proofs of evidence that robustly defend  planning decisions at appeal. Represent the Corporation at public inquiries and informal hearings.

 

Skills, knowledge and experience 

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Possession of an appropriate planning qualification with eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute together with good post qualification experience in planning.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully managing own caseload, including major planning applications and the associated discharge of conditions.
• Good knowledge of planning issues, statutory development management processes, planning policies and the legislative framework
• Sound understanding of the working environment of a local planning authority
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a range of stakeholders

 

Behavioural Competencies 

Communicating and Influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
• Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
• Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
• Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
• Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation

 

Building and Managing Relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people; and sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals. 

Level 3 indicators of effective performance:

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

 

Managing and Developing Performance

...is setting high standards for oneself and others, and guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Seeks opportunities to develop professional skills and knowledge, and encourages team to do so
• Ensures own and others’ workloads are realistic and achievable
• Provides staff with clear direction and objectives, ensuring they understand expectations
• Recognises achievements and provides constructive feedback and guidance
• Gives staff autonomy and confidence to perform well and to their potential

 

Planning and Organising

…  is thinking ahead; managing time, priorities and risk; and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance:

• Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
• Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
• Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
• Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
• Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met

 

Decision Making

… is forming sound, evidence-based judgements, making choices, assessing risks to delivery, and taking accountability for results.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Takes decisions as necessary on the basis of the information available
• Makes decisions without unnecessarily referring to others
• Involves and consults internal and external stakeholders early in decisions that impact them
• Identifies potential barriers to decision-making and initiates action to move a situation forward
• Demonstrates awareness of the GLA’s decision-making processes and how to use them

 

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

This role is based at the London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL).

 

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Enora Robin would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at enora.robin@london.gov.uk  

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

 

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: 4 & 7 July 2025 (please note this may change though and if need be candidates will be informed accordingly).

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

 

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

Secondment Opportunity

If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying 

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period;
• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and
• at least 18 months service with the GLA 

If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.

If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment.  For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.

IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.

If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application.

 

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.