The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job Details
Job reference REQ00000020059
Date posted 27/05/2026
Application closing date 14/06/2026
Location: Kendal
Salary £47,181–£48,226
Package Blank
Contractual hours 37
Basis Full time
Attachments Blank
Location: Barrow 1FTE / Kendal 1FTE
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Would you like to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country?
Westmorland and Furness Council is a new unitary Council combining Barrow-in-Furness, Eden and South Lakeland districts. The new Council planning area is adjacent to two national parks, including the stunning Lake District National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as western parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The national parks offer a rich tapestry of lakes, mountains and countryside, which offer extensive outdoor opportunities, whilst the towns and villages brim with local character. With friendly communities, low crime rate, cultural attractions and stunning locations Westmorland and Furness Council makes an attractive proposition for one and all.
Who we are looking for…
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking to recruit a Principal Planning Officer (Development Management). You will be responsible for signing off delegated reports, attending and supporting planning committees as well as managing a case load of more complex planning applications. You will need experience of dealing with appeals and public inquiries. You will also need to have strong experience in successfully leading and motivating teams of planning professionals and will need to be a qualified planner and Chartered member of the RTPI.
As a Principal Planning Officer they will be responsible for advising on the more complex planning cases and working with the Area Manager to ensure the efficient and effective management of the planning process.
The successful candidate will need to possess a relevant degree or qualification and have previous relevant experience. They will require good IT skills and have the ability to research case law and good practice in the further development of this area of work.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments.
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Nick Howard, Senior Development Manager, via email Nick.Howard@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to arrange an informal conversation.
Application and Interview information
Interview date: TBC
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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