Principal Planning Officer

Make a Difference in Lancaster
As Principal Planning Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Lancaster’s future by managing major planning applications of strategic importance. Your expertise will ensure high-quality, compliant decisions that support sustainable development, community safety, and the Council’s Climate Emergency response. You will also deputise for the Planning Applications Manager, helping to lead and inspire the team.

What You’ll Be Doing
You will independently manage complex, multi-million-pound planning applications, critically appraising proposals with commercial insight. Your role involves liaising with national and local partners, councillors, and applicants, chairing meetings, and presenting to the Planning Regulatory Committee. You will oversee appeals, negotiate planning conditions, and contribute to local policy development, all while mentoring colleagues and leading strategic projects.

You’ll Fit Right In If…
You hold full RTPI membership or equivalent, with strong development management experience and a planning degree. You are confident working independently and collaboratively, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail. A full clean UK driving licence is essential. You share our values of Working Together, Ambition, Pride, and Ownership, and are committed to fostering inclusive, community-focused planning.

Ready to Join Us?
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact in Lancaster, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about what it’s like working with us, our benefits, values and culture, by visiting lancaster.gov.uk/sites/recruitment.

Why Work With Us
Our Benefits
• Generous annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Car purchase scheme
• Lifestyle savings
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Volunteering days
• Wellbeing support

Flexible working friendly
We welcome discussions about flexible working and may be able to offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work–life balance.

Inclusive employer
We welcome applications from all parts of the community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
We guarantee interviews for applicants with a disability and armed forces veterans who meet the essential criteria