Principal Planning Officer
Salary Details – £45,091 – £49,282 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Devon County Council as a Principal Planning Officer within our planning team. This is a pivotal role at a time of significant change and opportunity.
Devon County Council is an ambitious authority and is looking for a highly skilled, experienced and passionate Principal Planning Officer that shares the vision to make a difference for everyone within Devon. We have a strong, experienced and supportive planning team at Devon County Council, which you will immediately feel part of. The planning team has a key role in planning for minerals and waste, supporting development and delivering infrastructure whilst also ensuring that we respond positively to Devon County Council’s climate emergency declaration.
As a Principal Planning Officer, your role will depend on your experience and needs of the team. You’ll work in a dynamic and unique team where individuals work across all areas of planning including policy, development management and infrastructure delivery. As the team prepares to commence a new Minerals and Waste Plan, it is expected that the role will have a minerals and waste policy focus and you will play a key role in the development of the new Minerals and Waste Plan.
We are looking for someone who combines planning knowledge with strong organisational, leadership and communication skills. You will be confident working in a political environment, building trusted relationships and explaining complex issues clearly to diverse audiences – including communities, stakeholders and councillors. Just as importantly, you will be motivated by making a real difference to places and people, and help foster a positive, inclusive working culture where people are supported to develop and deliver their best work.
For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Ratnage sarah.ratnage@devon.gov.uk or Emily Harper emily.harper@devon.gov.uk.
Interview Date: Expected 6th July 2026
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
To apply please click on the "apply button".
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Closing date 18th June 2026
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