We are a customer-focused, ambitious, and dynamic organisation, which is committed to supporting communities, looking after the environment, and creating a thriving economy. Following a restructure, the Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer in our Strategic Development Team. We're looking for committed individuals who share our passion to make a difference to local communities here in Charnwood, Leicestershire. The role involves working as part of a dedicated strategic development team, focusing on a range of applications associated with the delivery of Charnwood’s three sustainable urban extensions, as well as managing applications for large scale majors. The role is ideal for Planners with experience of handling large scale development proposals and who are looking to focus on the delivery of strategic development sites. You will be required to attend Planning Committee, where relevant, to present your cases and see them through to their determination. You will also be required to engage with stakeholders through community liaison groups and project team working groups. An ability to analyse complex planning issues and to write high quality letters, reports, and evidence statements whilst meeting agreed deadlines is essential. Experience of managing stakeholder engagement on long-term projects is essential, as would being able to demonstrate the skills to work effectively with Planning Performance Agreements. Strong negotiation skills and significant recent development management experience are also a must to ensure that you thrive in this fast-paced role. In return you will be supported by regular one to ones with a Team Leader, have access to Continuous Professional Development and work with a fantastic, friendly, team of Planners with all levels of experience. Please ensure that your application clearly sets out how you meet all of the essential criteria and, where applicable, the desirable criteria. If you do not do this, you may not be selected for an interview. The benefits of working with us: Agile working for many roles – we support home working with some office attendance required. Generous annual leave of between 35.5 and 40.5 days of leave (depending on length of service), inclusive of bank holidays. Most services are closed over Christmas. Opportunities for professional development linked to many roles. Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Free parking. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant's Employer Recognition Gold Award. We prioritise the well-being and engagement of our employees through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group and Equality Working Group. Find out more about this role and who we are by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/jobs About the Council Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils in the country based on population, serving around 183,000 people. We offer a range of services, with everything from refuse and recycling collections to the operation of a theatre and historic markets. Our services are built on our values: Pride in Charnwood; Customer Focused and Working Together About Charnwood We are proud of our borough, and it is a great place to live, work, visit and invest in. Charnwood boasts breath-taking landscapes which are great to explore. At the heart of Charnwood is Loughborough, home to a world class university, historic markets, and the only major bell foundry in the UK. It is a diverse community thanks to its student population and cultures from around the world. Charnwood is located in the centre of the country with rail, road and air links to the rest of the nation and the world beyond. Our investment brand in Charnwood describes the borough as being at the centre of innovation. Our economy is increasingly diversifying, leveraging the incredible research that flows from the world class Loughborough University and our science and technology related industries. Charnwood also has a wide ranging-portfolio of physical, cultural and social assets, with many of the levers of sustainable and inclusive growth at our disposal. There are a range of exciting developments and regeneration opportunities which will help create high-quality jobs and ensure continued economic prosperity.