Principal Development Officer

Job Description

The Service & Team:

This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Development Officer in the Development Management Team at Cornwall Council. We are a dynamic and successful local planning authority with a strong focus on team work to help the Council achieve its mission of working with communities for a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well. Cornwall has a diverse range of both urban, rural and coastal locations, which itself provides a number of exciting and diverse planning challenges, offering a beautiful place to live, work and play.

The Role

Working as part of a friendly team you’ll be responsible for managing and determining complex planning applications and leading on the provision of professional advice through all stages of the planning process, including Planning Performance Agreements and S106 negotiations. You will be adept at providing high quality service that is responsive to customer demands, working with a wide range of stakeholders from applicants and developers to Elected Members, to Town and Parish Councils, to Consultees, to members of the public. You will mentor planning officers, contribute to strategic planning, and help drive performance and income targets.

By joining us as a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll not only be offered a competitive benefits package, you’ll also be part of a team committed to shaping the future of Cornwall for generations to come.

Working Pattern

The council is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and offers a variety of working patterns to suit the needs of our employees. The standard working hours for this role are 37 hours per week, typically spread over five days, Monday to Friday. However, we understand that flexibility is key to maintaining a productive and happy workforce, and we offer several flexible working options:

• Compressed Hours: Employees have the option to work their total contracted hours over fewer days, allowing for longer weekends or additional days off during the week.
• Hybrid Work Arrangements: We support a blend of office-based and remote working, enabling employees to work from home for part of the week. This arrangement helps reduce commuting time and allows for a more flexible approach to work

What You’ll Need To Succeed

We are looking for a candidate with relevant experience within the development management/ planning sector, with or eligible for RTPI membership. The ideal candidate will have;

• Substantial experience in a planning role.
• Minimum degree level qualification in a relevant subject area or suitable equivalent.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of the legislative, technical and key policy issues that underpin Development Management.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in dealing with complex customer queries.
• An eye for detail, with an ability to write clear, accurate and structured reports.
• Good presentation skills, including the ability to present detailed information to a range of audiences.
• A proven ability and track record in managing complex caseloads to meet statutory deadlines and performance targets.
• You are people-focussed and enjoy building new relationships, having coached and mentored others.

Our Core Employee Rewards And Benefits Include

• a competitive salary.
• a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings. This includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
• a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave.
• A national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
• Employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services.

Additional Information

• The role involves regular travel. A valid driving licence and the ability to travel throughout Cornwall is required.
• The role is not politically restricted.

For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact [email protected]