Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Do you want to be part of an award winning Planning Service that won Planning Team of the Year in 2021?  Do you want to be part of a team that is integral to the Council delivering on an ambitious housing programme and town centre regeneration? If so, Harlow Council is the place for you to be part of this exciting and challenging work.

Harlow is entering a new era of growth and we are looking to recruit a new Principal Planning Officer to join our award winning Planning Service, working in the Development Management team.

The district and surrounding area are undergoing significant new development and regeneration as part of its transformation into a Garden Town. Large scale housing schemes are coming forward and over £40 million in investment from Government has been attracted to the town centre through the successful bids for Levelling Up and Towns Fund. Key organisations such as the UK Health Security Authority are choosing to make Harlow their home.

Working alongside the Development Manager, you will focus primarily on a complex caseload within the district with a focus on the delivery of significant Council schemes.  As well as dealing with complex cases, you will support and mentor other members of the team, with responsibility for determining applications.

This position is suitable for a qualified and experienced town planner looking to take the first step into team management. You will gain a greater understanding of corporate matters and engage with significant and meaningful large-scale projects.

Benefits of the post include 32 days annual leave, Local Government Pension Scheme and flexible working hours. Harlow is an ideal location to both live and work and is only thirty minutes from London and Stansted Airport.

If you feel you have the qualities and expertise and want to help us make Harlow a place where people want to live, learn, work and visit, please apply.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Gavin Cooper, Development Manager on 01279 446578

Our policies support our employees by enabling a positive work/life balance including flexible working where possible.  In addition to this, the Council offers many excellent employee benefits which include, pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, health and wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programme and development opportunities.

Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.