Principal Planner

We currently have an opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our innovative Planning Service as a Principal Planning Officer.

The picturesque county of Derbyshire has some of the country’s largest quarries which produce a wide range of strategically important minerals, from specialist limestone to aggregates and dimensional stone. The County’s central location means that it is also strategically placed to serve the waste industry, which has seen this sector investing in cutting edge technology within Derbyshire to help grow the circular economy for waste materials.

The Planning Service prides itself in its close working relationship with the minerals and waste industry and strives, through its development management process, to achieve added value outcomes for both the community and environment whist enhancing and supporting its strategically important position. Derbyshire has an excellent and well-established network of Planning Officer Groups with our local authority partners, which are facilitated and coordinated by the Planning Service. You will have the opportunity to become an integral member of these groups to share knowledge, experience and good planning practice with our partners

The County Council, alongside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), has an ambitious programme of investment and the Planning Service plays an important role in considering future infrastructure such as schools, cycle routes, roads, libraries and bridges.

As a Principal Officer within a dynamic team, you will be given the opportunity to have a strong influence on how we deliver our services. So, if you’re looking to work for a forward thinking and innovative authority, joining our team could be the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference.

At Derbyshire County Council, we recognise that our workforce is our greatest asset, and we are currently looking for inspired and proactive people who are committed to new ways of thinking and working. We positively encourage staff to expand and grow their experience in the Service. In return, you will enjoy an excellent range of benefits at Derbyshire County Council.

Key responsibilities

• As Principal Planning Officer in the Development Management team, you will be expected to manage a caseload of large and more complex Minerals, Waste and Regulation 3 planning applications, support Enforcement and Monitoring functions, as well as managing the undertaking of monitoring and enforcement action, and the processing and determination of planning and other associated applications/appeals by other officers through direct line management.
• You will assist the Planning Managers and be able to provide effective leadership to ensure development management is handled in accordance with legal requirements, Government and County policy and sound professional practice.
• The role will require attendance at the Regulatory Planning Committee and with senior elected Members, and officers from across the other County Council departments on complex and potentially contentious planning applications and decisions. It would also include representing and defending the County Council’s case and decisions and enforcement action at Public Inquiries, hearings and public meetings.
• Derbyshire has an excellent and well established network of Planning Officer Groups with our local authority partners, which are facilitated and coordinated by the Planning Service. You will have the opportunity to become an integral member of these groups to share knowledge, experience and good planning practice with our partners.
• Having the required qualifications and experience, you will have a detailed understanding of development management practices, policies, and procedures. You will also have a genuine interest in minerals and waste planning, wider planning matters and the environment. Additionally, there will be opportunity for you to assist in the development of minerals and waste policy and other planning work.

What skills and experience do you need to have:

• A relevant degree and / or diploma granting eligibility for full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• You will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and / or interest in minerals and waste, supported by excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• You will also need to be confident in dealing with people to ensure that a good quality customer service is provided to all customers and have excellent IT skills.

These lists are not exhaustive, take a look at our comprehensive job profile for more detail.

What we offer you:

• Flexi-time, allowing flexible working hours and up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases
• Cycle to work scheme
• A supportive working environment, including wellbeing programmes and employee networks
• Commitment and investment in your continuing professional development.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards discounts and cashback platform and discounts at selected county leisure centres
• and much more!

Our Planning Team has offices in Matlock, Derbyshire, but we work on a flexible basis which includes options for home working.

Derbyshire County Council is going through a period of positive development and transformation so it’s a great time to join and drive change.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Ben Greenwood Ben.Greenwood@derbyshire.gov.uk

Come and join us if you'd like to learn more about our current opportunities, meet the team and ask any questions. We look forward to meeting you.

To find out more about our Planning Service visit; www.derbyshire.gov.uk/planningservicesrecruitment

How to Apply:

We are accepting CVs for this position so it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV. Please include a covering letter outlining the reasons for your interest and your skills, knowledge and experience, taking account of the requirements set out in the job and person profile, we kindly ask that each document is no more than 3 sides of A4, font size 12 for each document.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and with different abilities. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enhance our ability to address complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

Closing date for applications: 22 February 2026

Provisional interview date: week commencing: 9 March 2026

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.