Principal Planning Officer (Urban Fringe)

We are seeking to appoint skilled and experienced planning officers to lead on all aspects of the planning process to ensure successful delivery in accordance with the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP).  You will be experienced in taking the lead role on major and complex planning applications (including EIA development) through pre-application to successful determination, discharge of conditions and enabling delivery on the ground.  You will take a pro-active approach to your work, and work with consultees to secure high-quality schemes and sustainable development.  Candidates for this post should have a proven track record of managing major housing and employment developments through the planning process to construction.  We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in delivering sustainable urban extensions and new settlements within sensitive locations and working with volume house builders to secure high quality outcomes.

You will be required to work primarily in the Urban Fringe Team. The Urban Fringe Team is responsible for overseeing the masterplanning and delivery of strategic growth sites in the urban fringe of Plymouth. In order to deliver this ambitious growth agenda ensuring that the new homes, jobs and infrastructure set out in the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) are delivered on the ground, we are looking for Principal Planners to work on the associated major planning applications that are dealt with by the team.

Key priorities for the team include the 5500 home Sherford New Community, the urban extension at Woolwell, and the expansion of Langage employment site including the Freeport.  Whilst you will be primarily focussed on key sites within the Urban Fringe, you will also take the lead on major projects that fall within the wider South Hams/West Devon area as needed. 

You should be a clear communicator with a proven ability to engage and negotiate successfully and be able to work with senior directors, elected Members and development Boards.  You should have extensive knowledge of the planning process, hold a relevant planning qualification and preferably be a chartered member of the RTPI.

You will be based in Totnes/Tavistock, however our agile working policy promotes flexible working and will support you to work from various locations including at home and on site. 

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Ian Sosnowski Urban Fringe Team Leader at ian.sosnowski@swdevon.gov.uk or 01803 861420.