Principal Major Developments Officer (RP0144)

Fixed-Term Contract 12 Months

37 per week (hybrid working)

Starting salary £50,696pa with potential progression to £53,953pa on achieving designated skills and experience

Deliver major developments.

We’re offering an exciting one-year fixed-term opportunity for a skilled and motivated planning professional to take on a pivotal role in our Development Management team. As Principal Major Developments Officer, you will lead on the borough’s most significant planning proposals, helping to deliver housing, infrastructure, and regeneration that benefits our communities.

With a strong pipeline of strategic and complex applications, this role offers the chance to take ownership of major schemes and make a real impact during a key period for growth in Welwyn Hatfield.

About the role:

In this senior role, you will lead a caseload of major and strategic planning applications and pre-application enquiries. You will act as the lead officer for significant development sites, including those subject to Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), and provide expert advice to Members, senior officers, applicants, and the public on complex planning issues. You’ll be responsible for negotiating high-quality outcomes that deliver real community value, as well as representing the Council at Planning Committee meetings, appeal hearings, and public inquiries. The role also includes contributing to wider service improvements and supporting the development of junior colleagues through mentoring.

About you:

You will hold a relevant degree with substantial experience in handling complex planning applications in either local government or private consultancy. You’ll have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be confident working with applicants, elected Members, and the public. Your strengths will include strong project management, negotiation, and analytical skills, underpinned by a sound understanding of planning policy, legislation, and procedures. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to lead on high-profile projects and deliver positive outcomes for the borough.

About us:

Welwyn Hatfield is home to the towns of Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, as well as a significant rural area and areas of Green Belt. Our planning challenges range from brownfield regeneration to large-scale urban extensions and heritage-sensitive sites.

We’re a forward-looking authority with a commitment to sustainable development, customer service, and delivering great places. Our CORE values — Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent — underpin how we work and what we stand for.

What we offer:

• 12-month fixed-term contract
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Free parking and access to electric pool cars
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A supportive, collaborative planning team environment

Contact and Application Details:

If you're ready to lead on the borough’s most significant planning schemes and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Carl Griffiths, Development Management Service Manager Tel: 01707 352532/c.griffiths@welhat.gov.uk

Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment in the UK.

Closing date: 25 August 2025

Remote assessment date: 2 September 2025

Interview date: 9 and 10 September 2025