Principal Planning Officer

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon (Hybrid Working) Rate: Negotiable Contract: 6 Months Temporary Contract Start Date: 7th September 2026 Hours: 37 Hours per Week The Opportunity We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a busy Planning Applications service on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled planning professional to lead a team managing a significant caseload of major planning applications within a district experiencing considerable development pressure. Working within the Development Service, you will provide leadership and operational oversight to a team comprising an Assistant Team Leader and 10 Senior Planners, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and effectively through to determination. Key Responsibilities Manage and support a team of planning professionals dealing with major planning applications. Provide leadership, guidance and technical expertise across complex planning matters. Review, sign off and authorise planning reports. Support officers in progressing applications through the planning process and committee stages. Assist with expediting decision-making and improving application turnaround times. Present and attend Planning Committee meetings, held regularly on Wednesday evenings in Stratford-upon-Avon. Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, elected members, developers and consultees. Undertake site visits across ...