Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Role Responsibility

We are looking for an ambitious, organised and highly motivated Planner who is looking for a new challenge in Kent, shaping and influencing development in the County. 

Principal Planning Officer – Development Management

This post in the Planning Applications Group, will focus on County Planning matters relating to mineral and waste development and will support capacity in relation to applications for the County Council’s own development applications for community development. 

We are looking for an experienced Officer as you will deal with some of our most complex development planning matters. You will present reports to Members and attend Committee for applications, submissions, and planning matters that you and others in the Planning Applications Group have dealt with. You will also supervise, train and coach staff,  review and sign off work carried out by others within the Group. 

You will have experience of dealing with a wide range of complex major development, EIA and appropriate assessment developments. You will also have experience as an expert witness for planning inquiries. You’ll be able to respond to challenge and have political awareness within the development management role.

You will have a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of the County Council in the development management process and the contribution to sustainable development, and of the current and emerging planning legislation, policy and guidance and the implications for working practice.

This post require a relevant degree (or equivalent),  as detailed in the person specification. Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is required.

This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.

The successful candidate for the post will demonstrate a proven ability to work within a complex and varied environment. Your innovative and flexible approach will enable you to successfully meet outcomes and will make an impact on planning, infrastructure, and growth in Kent.

We operate in a hybrid model of office-based working in Kent and working from home to meet the needs of the service

Please refer to the job description/person specification as this will be used to shortlist applications. 

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact:

Sharon Thompson, Head of Planning Applications Group, 03000413468, Sharon.Thompson@kent.gov.uk

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

KCC is transitioning to a new pay structure from 1st April 2025.  More details can be found here - Pay - Jobs & Careers - Kent County Council 

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.