Principal Planning Officer

<p><strong>Principal Planning Officer needed in Guildford Paying  £39 per hr ref 5299050</strong></p> <p><strong>Full time hours on a temporary basis</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><em>Key Skills and Competencies</em></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Planning Knowledge</strong> – Extensive understanding of planning legislation, national and local planning policy, development management processes, and planning applications.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Decision-Making</strong> – Able to assess complex planning proposals objectively and make balanced, evidence-based recommendations that align with policy and community interests.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Report Writing</strong> – Skilled in producing clear, accurate, and well-structured committee reports, delegated reports, and professional correspondence.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Communication</strong> – Confident in explaining planning policies, recommendations, and decisions to councillors, developers, residents, and other stakeholders.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Negotiation</strong> – Experienced in working with developers, agents, and consultees to secure amendments, planning obligations, and positive development outcomes.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Leadership</strong> – Capable of supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior planning officers while contributing to service improvement and team development.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Project Management</strong> – Able to manage a varied caseload of complex and major planning applications, ensuring deadlines and performance targets are met.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Problem Solving</strong> – Skilled in identifying planning issues, resolving conflicts, and finding practical solutions to challenging development proposals.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Attention to Detail</strong> – Thorough approach to reviewing plans, environmental information, legal agreements, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Teamwork and Stakeholder Management</strong> – Effective at building positive working relationships with internal departments, statutory consultees, elected members, developers, and local communities.</p> </li> </ul> <p></p> <p> </p> </li> </ul> <p>If you are interested in the role, please email your CV to verity@essentialemploy.co.uk quoting the reference number. </p> <p>Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.</p> <p>All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared</p>