Location: High Wycombe
Overview
Join Buckinghamshire Council’s high-performing Major Development Management team and play a key role in delivering some of the most significant development proposals in the area.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to work on complex and varied schemes, develop their expertise, and take real ownership of projects that shape places and communities.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a large unitary authority, delivering services across a diverse area to the west of London. We are forward-looking, ambitious and committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable growth.
Our Major Development Management team operates at scale, managing a strong pipeline of major applications and working proactively with applicants, agents and stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.
What we offer:
1. A competitive salary and benefits package
2. Hybrid working (minimum 2 days office-based)
3. Exposure to interesting, complex and high-profile development proposals
4. The opportunity to take ownership of projects and influence outcomes
5. Opportunities to contribute to corporate projects and service improvements
6. A supportive team environment with experienced colleagues
7. Ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities
8. A positive work-life balance
About the role
As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead on a varied caseload of major and complex planning applications, managing proposals from early engagement through to determination.
Key responsibilities include:
9. Managing and determining major and complex planning applications
10. Leading on Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
11. Negotiating S106 agreements and planning obligations
12. Engaging with developers, agents, stakeholders and local communities
13. Representing the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries
14. Advising elected members and committees
15. Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues
16. Contributing to service improvement and performance
You’ll work across a diverse area, including strategic growth areas, urban and rural environments, with exposure to a wide range of development types.
About you
You will be a confident and well-organised planning professional with experience in development management. Applications are welcomed from those working in local authorities, consultancies or development organisations.
You will bring:
17. Experience of handling major or complex planning applications
18. A strong understanding of planning policy and the development process
19. The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
20. Highly organised working practices, with strong attention to detail
21. Excellent communication and negotiation skills
22. Confidence working with a range of stakeholders, including applicants and elected members
23. Eligibility for (or membership of) the RTPI
You will be proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable taking ownership of projects.
A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
For full details about the role, please refer to the job summary attached.