Principal Planning Officer

The salary for this position is £46,634 - 52,625 per annum for working 36 hours per week. This is a two-year fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity.

Whilst having an administrative base at Quadrant Court in Woking, the Planning Team are now working to an agile workstyle, with an expectation that Officers will work out of different locations/venues, including home. Staff are encouraged to choose the location where they think will be most productive and have access to technology to connect with team members. 

Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic planning professional to support the County Planning Service in delivering its statutory planning functions, in particular with regard to its development management functions relating to minerals and waste and the County Council's own development. 

About Us

Surrey faces huge challenges to accommodate economic growth in a sustainable way in the context of a densely populated and valuable natural environment. Surrey is a diverse County with urban fringe in the north abutting Greater London, situated between Heathrow and Gatwick airports. 

• 73% of the County is within the Metropolitan Greenbelt
• 26% within one of the two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• 22% covered in Woodland 

Development proposals in Surrey are often controversial and can generate significant public interest. Surrey has a diverse range of mineral resources which make an essential contribution to the country’s economic growth and quality of life, the development of infrastructure such as schools and roads, and are also used for industrial and energy purposes.

About the Role

In delivering statutory planning functions regarding minerals and waste, and the County Council's own development, Principle Planning Officers provide professional planning advice to commercial companies, planning consultants, other County Council officers, County Councillors, and the Surrey public. You will liaise with statutory consultees and the applicants on aspects of a planning application and respond positively and effectively to queries from the public. 

The role will involve: 

• Assessing the implications of proposals in the light of planning policy, government advice and all material circumstances relating to the proposal.
• Making recommendations on proposals including writing reports and presenting the proposal to Committee or to senior officers acting under delegated powers.
• Assisting on planning enforcement cases where required.
• Representing the planning authority as an expert planning witness at Public Inquiries and assisting Counsel in the presentation of cases at Inquiries.
• Preparing and submitting written representations on behalf of the Council in respect of appeals handled in this way.

About You

Excellent communication skills are crucial for this post. Post holders will be expected to be able to politely and confidently communicate verbally and in writing with the public, fellow professionals, applicants, and County Councillors. Good organisation, self-motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail are important personal skills in these roles.

To be shortlisted for interview, your application will need to clearly show evidence of:

• A degree in a relevant subject such as planning, geography, environmental science, urban design, sustainability or geology
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience of working in a town planning or related work environment
• MRTPI (or eligible and clear evidence of working towards)
• Political awareness
• Track record of producing committee reports
• A full UK driving licence

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/10/2022 with interviews to follow.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Stephen Jenkins by e-mail at stephen.jenkins@surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County 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. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.