Principal Planner - Novax Recruitment : Job Details

Job Advert: Principal Planning Officer - Development Management

Location: Guildhall 2, Royal Borough of Kingston upon ThamesContract Type: Agency Worker (Inside IR35)Hourly Rate: £40 per hourHours: 37 hours per week (09:00 - 17:00)Contract Duration: 21 July 2025 to 31 December 2025Closing Date: Friday, 11 July 2025 at 12:00

About the Role

The Royal Borough of Kingston is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Strategic Planning and Infrastructure team. This role is pivotal to delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities through innovative development management. You will be at the heart of major planning applications and appeals, working collaboratively with senior officers, consultants, and stakeholders, to drive excellence in planning delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Development Management:Process and oversee major planning applications and appeals, including detailed consultations, site visits, proposal appraisals, and negotiations with applicants and objectors. Prepare comprehensive reports and statements for Written Representation Appeals and Public Inquiries.

• Planning Policy & Strategy:Contribute to the development and monitoring of the Local Development Framework, supplementary planning guidance, and area-based planning strategies. Assist in public participation initiatives and the preparation of planning briefs and topic papers.

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:Work in tandem with colleagues across the Council, including the Contact Centre, to deliver outstanding customer service. Assist senior officers in handling complaints and inquiries from residents, Councillors, and external stakeholders.

• Project Support:Support the delivery of various projects and research initiatives within development management and spatial planning, ensuring timely, effective, and policy-compliant outcomes.

• Performance & Partnership:Set clear performance objectives, contribute innovative ideas to the service plan, and build strong working partnerships internally and with external partners to enhance service delivery.

Candidate Profile

• Expertise & Experience:Proven experience in development management within a planning environment. Demonstrable skills in handling major planning applications, appeals, and policy formulation.

• Communication & Engagement:Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.

• Self-Management & Resilience:Strong self-awareness, resilience, and proactive management of workload while working to tight deadlines and in a dynamic, agile environment.

• Technical Competence:Familiarity with digital working practices, including the effective use of new technologies to drive modern working practices.

• Commitment to Equality:A commitment to embedding equity, fairness, diversity, and social inclusion in all aspects of work.