Principal Planning Officer

We're continuously reviewing and interviewing applicants weekly for this job posting. We will stop accepting applications when sufficient applications have been received.

Planning - Shaping Tomorrow's Communities Today 

Our Planning Service is at the heart of Wiltshire's growth and development. We ensure that every decision we make promotes high-quality place-shaping, guided by policy and best practices in urban design. As a statutory and regulatory service, we're responsible for delivering housing and employment in line with our adopted Local Plan. 

We're on an exciting journey to elevate our planning services, and we're looking for passionate professionals to be part of this transformation.  

Last spring, our Director of Planning invited the Planning Advisory Service for a Peer Review. This has set the stage for an ambitious transformation programme launched at the end of last year. To support this initiative, we're investing £1 million in additional staffing, creating new opportunities across all service areas.  

Our Development Management Service is crucial in shaping Wiltshire’s future by determining planning applications for new developments. While some decisions involve subjective judgment, we adhere strictly to legal and procedural guidelines to ensure compliance with legislation and policy. We support the council’s business plan by fostering new development, driving economic growth, and promoting environmental protection and sustainability. 

As a Principal Planning Officer, your role involves leading and managing strategic and complex planning projects. You'll work on facilitating community engagement and collaborating with stakeholders to promote appropriate development. Reporting to a Planning Manager, you'll be responsible for handling the most challenging and strategic planning applications. This will require you to come up with creative and innovative solutions to support sustainable development in line with Wiltshire's place-shaping objectives. 

Additionally, you'll supervise and mentor less experienced officers. This includes reviewing and approving their work to ensure it aligns with the Council’s Local Plan, Scheme of Delegation, and national planning policy. 

Why us? 

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. That’s why we focus on getting the things that matter to our people right. Explore more benefits here! 

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply as well as Our Identity. 

For more details, contact Andrew Guest, Head of Development Management, at andrew.guest@wiltshire.gov.uk, or call 01722 434379 

This role may be subject to certain successful security checks; please see the role description for more information. 

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. Read our statement of commitment to equality and inclusion. 

Disability Confident Employer 

Application process 

  Please ensure to regularly check your spam/junk folder for any communication from us regarding your application status. We wouldn't want you to miss out on any important updates or interview invitations. Thank you!