How you'll make a differenceAs Principal Planning Officer, you will promote the development of a sustainable and high-quality environment for the benefit of all residents, visitors and guests. In this busy and diverse role, you will have plenty of scope to grow, develop and influence, with the opportunity to help drive the Development team forward through adapting and evolving to the changing pressures faced by the planning system. What you will be doingIt will be your responsibility to determine some of the most complex and controversial planning applications determined by the development management team, as well as preparing management data.Assisting with day-to-day supervision of the staff team, you will undertake regular one to one reviews and professional development progress review meetings, checking and authorising the work of others before decisions are issued.When required, you will be deputising for the Development Management Team Manager and handling concerns, complaints and FOI requests in accordance with council procedures and time scales.You will provide technical expertise in the delivery of the council’s spatial planning and other corporate policy objectives, through the determination of planning applications, assisting with policy formulation and the preparation and presentation of reports to the Development Control Committee, the Spatial Planning Committee and Sites Inspection Sub-Committee.It will be key for you to prepare responses to appeal, which could include written reports and appearing at hearings and public inquiries. What we need from youWe require you to hold a degree relative to town and country planning and full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute or other relevant professional body.It is essential that you have substantial experience of working to plan and determining complex planning applications to meet statutory requirements within the service areas.You must have a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant legislation and regulatory framework for the provision of the Development Management service.You will have experience of negotiation and organising effective consultation and participation with representatives of the public, community groups, the business community and other interested parties. Supporting and mentoring colleagues is a key element of this role, and we require you to have experience of this in a previous work environment.It is desirable if you have experience in making changes to established procedures to deliver a better outcomes, including the use of AI. What you need to knowThis is a hybrid role meaning that you can work remotely or in our offices. You will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area so you must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or have an alternative means of travel. Interviews to take place on the 17th and 18th January 2026 How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is differentAs part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work. Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of. We're planning for the future; building and improving the roads, railways, schools, green spaces, and houses. We’re providing essential services across our communities to ensure they are safe and well maintained. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We’re making a difference, be part of it! To view the full job description, please click this link: Principal Planning Officer 2 job descreiption