Principal Planner

Overview

Job title:

Principal Planner (Development Management)

Salary:
Grade PO4 £ 46,142 - £49,282

Hours:

37

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Leeds

As a Principal Planner you’ll work with colleagues across the Council and beyond to make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll join one of the largest core city planning authorities in the country. The role involves shaping development in Leeds to deliver high quality, sustainable outcomes rather than rubber stamping submissions. Leeds City Council employs over 14,000 people and seeks to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

This advert covers the role of Principal Planner (Development Management) and the responsibilities, qualifications, and application guidance associated with this post.

• Take a lead role on pre-application discussions with a project-managed approach to planning proposals and decisions.
• Provide appropriate and timely responses to customer enquiries on planning matters.
• Lead on specific cases, projects and/or technical work including major and/or complex planning applications.
• Keep Elected Members, MPs and customers appropriately informed on planning matters and deliver a high level of customer care.
• Undertake work in connection with planning appeals, including acting as the Council’s expert witness at major public inquiries.
• Attend and present items at Plans Panel, make recommendations and give planning advice to Elected Members.
• Represent the Council and/or Planning Services at public meetings and other public or political forums.
• Line-manage a small number of Planners/Senior Planners to provide support and guidance (where required).
• Manage and lead on specific projects and service improvements (where required).
• Make high quality planning decisions in line with the scheme of delegation; ensure officer reports are comprehensive and fit for purpose.
• Be a principal point of contact for Area Panels, MP(s) and Ward Councillors to ensure delivery of planning services to high standards and targets.
• Contribute to team development within Planning and Sustainable Development.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

• A recognised qualification in Planning or a related discipline (e.g., diploma or degree) is essential.
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and demonstrate quality decision making in a timely manner.
• Ability to influence outcomes and negotiate solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Detailed knowledge of the statutory and policy framework within which planning decisions are made.
• Experience of working within a planning environment, including major, complex, or sensitive schemes.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver high quality outcomes.

• Understand and adopt Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and to delivering the Best City Ambition (Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth, Zero Carbon).
• Respect equality and diversity policies; comply with Health and Safety policies.
• Willingness to participate in training and development; be flexible to change as required.
• Be aware of and comply with Council policies and demonstrate anti-discrimination in practice.
• Recognise and challenge racism, bullying, harassment, v ictimisation, and abuse; report concerns appropriately.

• Ability to provide leadership and empower colleagues to achieve results.
• Ability to manage workloads of team members and demonstrate leadership characteristics.

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial wellbeing

Please complete the online application form and read the guidance for further advice. Ensure you have completed all sections before submitting your application.

If you have queries or would like an informal chat about the role, contact David Newbury, Group Manager, on  or email

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures.