Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
Location: Breon Beacon National Park
Salary: £47,181 - £49,282 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 16th March 2026
Interview Date: 26th March 2026
Job Purpose:
* To undertake all aspects of planning development management casework in the National Park.
* To manage a team of officers to support the delivery of a high-quality and responsive planning development management and enforcement service.
* To ensure that the Authority’s statutory planning responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Government legislation, policy, procedure and guidance and accord with National Park statutory purposes.
Main Responsibilities
* To manage a team of staff within the Development Management and Enforcement Teams in delivering all aspects of the Authority’s planning function, with a clear emphasis on continuous improvement, performance delivery and customer service, under the direction of the Head of Development Management.
* To review and sign off delegated applications and Planning Contravention Notices, on behalf of the Authority, in accordance with the agreed Authority Scheme of Delegation.
* Co-ordinating and contributing Development Management inputs into the preparation and implementation of the National Park Local Development Plan including preparation of Supplementary Planning Guidance, preparation and review of other of Planning publications by the Authority e.g. planning advice notes, pre-application guidance.
* To manage, process and make recommendations on all forms of planning and related matters including, but not limited to, major and/or complex planning applications, minor and householder applications, fringe applications, major infrastructure applications, listed building consents, conservation consents, advertisement consents, prior notification consents, conditions monitoring and enforcement cases.
* To undertake when appropriate, EIA screening and provide EIA screening and scoping opinions formally on behalf of the Authority.
* Negotiating with agents, developers, internal consultees and statutory bodies in respect of all planning related work, including development plan preparation, planning applications, pre-application enquiries, the negotiation of Section 106 Agreements and providing design and sustainable development advice.
* Provide expert professional planning and related advice to members, officers and the public.
* Attendance at pre-committee meetings with the Chair of the National Park Authority, and presentation of non delegated applications and other planning related matters at Planning Committee meetings, as well as providing professional advice to Members at Planning Committee meetings and associated Planning Committee site visits.
* Dealing with preliminary and formal pre-application enquiries in respect of major developments within the National Park and major developments on the fringes of the National Park. Providing guidance and advice to members of the public on planning matters and attendance at planning surgeries.
* To undertake all types of planning Appeals and Examinations in Public, including the production of statements, statements of common ground and proof of evidence and appear as expert witness on behalf of the National Park Authority and to support the planning team members through appeal hearings, examinations and inquiries.
* To help monitor Development Management and Enforcement performance figures drive continuous improvement within the Planning Service to help increase efficiency and enhance customer service.
* Any other duty, appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, as required by the Head of Development Management and/or Director of Planning & Place
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* A minimum of 4 years relevant experience in Development Management in the public or private sector
* Leadership, management and team leader experience within Planning in the public or private sector
* A recognised qualification, degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline
* An in-depth knowledge of planning policy, related legislation and procedures
* Good knowledge of planning enforcement processes and procedures
* Ability to work on own initiative & organise workload effectively
* Ability to work under pressure
* An ability to provide coherent, competent and professional advice both written and verbal
* An ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to meet deadlines and for presentation of reports and information to appropriate committee meetings
* An ability to work as part of a team and to mentor and support colleagues as a point of reference on planning related issues
* A good telephone manner and ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members and staff.
* A willingness to attend public meetings outside core office hours
* Good communication, interpersonal and Report writing skills
* Current driving license
* Welsh Language Level 0
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application