Principal Planner

Essex; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Planner for a temporary full-time position. The role involves leading major planning applications and driving innovation in planning processes. Candidates must possess significant experience in a local planning authority and have strong skills in communication, data interpretation, and project management. The position offers a competitive pay rate of up to £55.00 per hour and requires 1–2 days on-site work per week. Commitment to quality service and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• Significant green belt experience is required.
• Experience within a local planning authority or relevant private sector is essential.
• Proven track record of handling varied planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major planning applications.
• Champion design excellence and compliance with policies.
• Drive innovation in dealing with planning applications.
• Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion

Ability to interpret complex data

Excellent written and verbal communication

Self-motivated

Proficiency in IT systems

Advanced knowledge of planning legislation

Ability to manage projects

Commitment to equality and diversity

Full UK driving licence

Tools

Idox Uniform

Microsoft 365

Job description

About The Role

Principal Planner

Castle Point Borough Council

Temporary, Full Time

Up to £55.00 per hour (umbrella)

Location: Castle Point

Closing Date: 2nd January 2026

Why Castle Point?

Castle Point Borough Council is a statutory body responsible for employing nearly 350 staff, and delivering over 150 council services, both statutory and for the community's well‑being and benefit. Castle Point Borough Council aims to provide high‑quality and financially sustainable services while prioritising outstanding customer service, transparency in decision‑making, and promoting local democracy. Additionally, the council seeks to transform, modernise, and improve its performance, as well as support and enable the communities within its jurisdiction to be strong, healthy, and thriving.

Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus

The Opportunity

This is a temporary opportunity for an experienced Principal Planner who has significant green belt experience to join the team on a 6‑month basis. Please note this role requires 1‑2 days on site working per week. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll be at the forefront of planning and development, guiding and shaping developments.

You should be able to hit the ground running and be capable of working with minimum supervision, efficiently managing your workload and making a real contribution towards quality decision‑making.

We are entering an exciting period and need a committed and enthusiastic individual, who enjoys a challenge, to assist the Council in maintaining its reputation for high quality service and decision‑making.

Accountabilities

• Lead on major planning applications
• Champion design excellence and compliance with national and local policies
• Drive innovation in dealing with major planning applications
• Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders

The Experience You Will Bring

• Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion, influence, and relationship‑building
• Ability to interpret complex data and provide strategic solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
• Self‑motivated with strong initiative and workload management
• Proficiency in IT systems, including Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365
• Advanced knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices
• Ability to manage projects and contribute to strategic planning
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer‑focused service
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits and evening meetings

Experience

• Significant experience working within a local planning authority or a relevant private sector planning business
• Proven track record of handling a varied caseload of planning applications
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Experience in developing and managing projects or programmes of work

Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability‑confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

Castle Point Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email [e-mail]