Jobs

Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Join one of the largest planning services in the country! We are looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our Planning Services at North Yorkshire Council.

About the Team

North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Services are at the heart of change, helping communities grow and thrive across one of the most diverse landscapes in the UK.

As a team, we work on a diverse set of projects, from domestic through to national infrastructure – offering opportunities for staff to develop expertise and contribute to projects that shape our area. If you are ambitious about your future in Planning this is a great time to join us as we invest in building a world class planning service, whilst being community focussed on a local level.

We operate a hybrid model of working, offering the opportunity for our staff to work from home, but also from a base within your ‘patch’ to enable you to be fully immersed within the community in which you will provide your skills and expertise.

For more information about our planning service, visit our Planning Opportunities Page 

Role summary

As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll lead on complex and strategic planning applications, ensuring high-quality outcomes that align with local and national policy. You’ll manage a varied caseload, provide expert advice, and represent the service at planning committees and public meetings.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as case officer for major and often high-profile planning applications and appeals.
• Project managing strategic development sites.
• Negotiating community benefits through Section 106 agreements and CIL.
• Providing expert planning advice to stakeholders and colleagues.
• Investigating and responding to planning-related complaints and queries.

Duties and responsibilities

•  Act as case officer on complex planning applications with often competing material considerations and some controversial applications including associated appeals work.
• Project Manage strategic development sites in accordance with legislation, policies, and guidance
• Undertake site inspections, attend site meetings including formal Committee Site Visits.
• To negotiate community benefits from development proposals through legal agreements in line with Council policies including section 106 obligations and/or Community Infrastructure Levy payments.

Knowledge and Experience 

• Degree, Post-Graduate Degree or master’s in planning or related subject
• Eligible for Membership of RTPI
• Evidence of working on major and complex cases.
• Able to demonstrate an excellent knowledge of planning legislation and regulations.
• Ability to organise workloads and manage time work to strict deadlines.

Why Join Us? 

• Hybrid working with flexible working practices and hours, supported by effective technologies that enable you to work remotely.
• A generous annual leave offer; 28 days of holiday (pro-rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
• A generous pension through our Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Diverse and meaningful work: From domestic developments to nationally significant infrastructure, you’ll be at the heart of projects that shape our region.
• Supportive team culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
• Career development: We’re committed to helping you grow, with access to training, mentoring, and progression opportunities.

Contact and Apply

Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of North Yorkshire’s communities. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact John.Worthington@Northyorks.gov.uk

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 28th June 2026

Company: North Yorkshire Council

Salary: £47,181 - £51,356 per annum

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Sector: Regeneration and Local Economies

Sector: Planning

Sector: Regeneration

Job Role: Planner