Job Description

Salary

54,664

Contractual hours

36

Basis

Full time

Region

Epping

Package

LGPS, 28 days annual leave, Perkbox benefits, agile working, professional development, flexible pay through Wagestream

Job category/type

Permanent - Full Time

Date posted

30/06/2025

Job reference

EREQ000434

Principal Planning Officer

Salary 54,664

Hybrid working with office location in the Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ

28 days annual leave (or pro rata equivalent)

Based in the Development Management Team within the Planning Directorate

Epping Forest District is at an exciting time in terms of Planning. We have an up to date Local Plan and are able to demonstrate a 6 year supply of Land for Housing. Within the Local Plan are several allocation sites for housing and employment land, including significant sites that form part of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, along with other large-scale sites that are subject to Masterplans. This means that there are excellent opportunities to be involved in major development schemes and be at the forefront of shaping the district. To enable the successful implementation of the Local Plan, Planning Services have recently had a restructure agreed that redeploys additional resources to the Development Management Team. As part of the approved restructure, Planning Services are looking for a new Principal Planning Officer to play an integral part in carrying out the Statutory Duties of the Council as the Local Planning Authority.



We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious candidate that is either a member of or eligible for full RTPI membership, to work with us to ensure that the Development Management service performs at an excellent level with a consistency that will help deliver the Council corporate objectives.



The post will provide opportunities to deal with complicated applications and projects and all tasks associated with the business of the Service. There will be opportunities to mentor more junior members of staff and to undertake managerial roles, including authorising planning consents where required and representing the service at Planning Committees, Public Inquiries, and other necessary events.



You will need to be able to deliver a high-quality service, negotiate the best possible development outcomes, and develop new innovative approaches that embrace new ways of working. You will need to be an effective communicator who can engage well with developers, investors, partners and the general public and build good relationships with members.



The Council encourages hybrid working, with the choice to primarily work from home but with an expectation of attendance at the Office for one to ones and Team meetings and others as the role requires. The Civic Offices are situated within the historic market town of Epping, which is accessible via the Central Line and has excellent sustainable transport options. Free parking is also available through the Council at a nearby Council owned site.



Please refer to the job role profile for more detail on the role. To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and a suitable supporting statement outlining how your education, experience, knowledge and skills and other attributes match the requirements of the role.



* Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.