Principal Planning Officer

Wandsworth's planning service is busy, forward‑looking and committed to delivering high‑quality design, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for local communities and historic built environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Principal planner looking to further develop their career within a high‑performing inner London authority. An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the Strategic Development Team in the Planning Service of the Growth & Place Directorate at Wandsworth Borough Council. You will work within this highly regarded team with a variety of high‑profile planning work in the Battersea Nine Elms Opportunity Area. Ongoing developments include the Battersea Power Station site, the New Covent Garden sites and many other schemes. The Team also covers large‑scale sites regeneration projects in the York Road/Winstanley Estate near at Clapham Junction and the Alton Estate in Roehampton.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of complex and controversial planning applications shaping a major reservoir of London's housing needs.
• Leading on pre‑application discussions and negotiations with applicants and agents.
• Negotiating effectively on schemes, Section 106 agreements and Planning Performance Agreements.
• Preparing high‑quality reports and presenting recommendations to the Planning Committee.
• Working closely with internal colleagues, Members, local communities and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to a responsive, customer‑focused planning service that meets agreed timeframes.
• Representing the Council in planning appeals (although infrequent).

Qualifications

• A degree in planning or a related discipline, with RTPI membership or eligibility for full membership.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex and controversial planning applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
• The ability to lead on negotiations effectively and make sound planning judgements under pressure.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work positively across teams and disciplines.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We promote equality and diversity and develop a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils. We are a Disability Confident employer and provide reasonable adjustments. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Benefits

40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.

#J-18808-Ljbffr