Principal Planning Officer

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Why work for us?

We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our service. This is a full time, permanent role based at the Civic Offices, here in Portsmouth. We offer hybrid working where 2 days will be office based.

This is an exciting time to come and join our Service, we are busy with major infrastructure projects across the city and you will be part of the team that will be unlocking housing and regeneration opportunities to shape the future of Portsmouth.

Your new role

You will be responsible for dealing with Major/PPA applications, with a modest number of minor cases in addition. You will report and present cases to Planning Committee and handle any associated appeals where necessary, as well as providing guidance and advice to a wide range of customers inside and outside of the organisation. You will provide support and advice to junior members of the development management team.

The team is committed to delivering a responsive customer-focused service that brings forward sustainable development that meets the housing and employment needs of the City.

Who is the person summary:

To apply, you must have:

• A relevant planning qualification
• Full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)— this is essential

You will also need:

• Solid knowledge of planning legislation and experience working within Development Management
• A proven track record of handling development proposals successfully, including major applications
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills
• The ability to lead on complex planning matters and support others in the team
• An understanding of local government, political sensitivities, and the role planning plays in delivering regeneration
• Experience in enforcement and a problem‑solving, proactive approach to work
• Confidence engaging with customers and partners, providing clear and accurate professional advice

For the full details, please review the job profile attached below.

Additional information

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Nick Lloyd-Davies: email: Nick.Lloyd-Davies@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Interview date: interviews will be held on the 19th and 20th February 2026.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs.

In the personal statement, you must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be shortlisted.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.ukor call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council