Job Description

(Starting salary dependent upon skills and qualifications, progression subject to satisfactory performance.)
Rochford District Council and Brentwood Borough Council work in partnership and the Principal Planners will provide support to both organisations, although you may be embedded in one or other service departments depending on service requirements.
About the role
As one of two principal officers for the authorities, you will be responsible for the largest and most complex planning applications along with supporting team leaders in Rochford and Brentwood in providing mentorship for less experienced staff.
Key responsibilities

• Lead on major planning applications including S106 negotiations.
• Provide advice at pre-application stage and negotiate bespoke PPA agreements, taking responsibility for monitoring and managing associated costs.
• Assist with the provision of professional support and guidance to drive service improvement and achieve quality outcomes for proposed development schemes.
• Manage stakeholder engagement.
• Producing high quality committee reports and presenting complex planning applications to Planning Committee.
• Working with Team Leaders in the monitoring of less experienced members of staff and agree officer recommendations.
• Delivering excellent customer service.

We work in a hybrid way with the principles of 2-3 days in the office varying between both Rochford District and Brentwood Borough Council, in addition to home working, and based on the needs of the service.
The successful candidate will need to hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
About the candidate
We are looking for a Town Planner educated to degree level in a Town Planning or related subject who is eligible to be a chartered member of the RTPI. The right candidate will have extensive experience of leading on major planning applications in a development management environment.
You will be able to manage complex planning applications and appeals confidently and be an effective communicator both orally and in writing.
As a senior member of the team, you will have excellent understanding of development management in a local authority environment and be focused on delivering a professional and high performing service.
Benefits of working for us
We offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement, enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working hours, employee assistance programme and staff benefits platform with discounts across a range of retailers.
Please note
We are recruiting for two Principal Planners; both vacancies are OneTeam roles, which require working at both Rochford District Council and Brentwood Borough Council locations. However, one role will be employed by Rochford District Council, with time predominantly spent in Rochford, and the other by Brentwood Borough Council.
If you would like to be considered for both vacancies, please only complete one application form, on either the Rochford District Council or the Brentwood Borough Council job site. You will have the option to confirm this on your application form.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Caroline Corrigan, Corporate Manager Development Management, by emailing caroline.corrigan@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk with your availability for a call.
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 October 2025 at 08:00am.
Interviews to be held week commencing 20 October 2025.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Rochford District 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 Person Specification.
It is our policy that if you have not heard back within 3 weeks of the closing date you should assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

Skills Required