Principal Planning Officer

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Job description

These are planning jobs that make a real difference, where your expertise is valued and you are listened to. A chance to make a significant and rewarding contribution to a worthwhile cause.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has some of the most stunning scenery in Britain and as the planning authority for the area, it's our job to help local people and businesses to keep the National Park a thriving and beautiful area.

There's an opportunity to apply for two much sought after roles in our Development Management section.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an environmental organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales. The Dales are famous for pastoral valleys, with distinctive stone barns and walls, crags and waterfalls, rugged heather moorland and historic villages.

Planning is the best tool we have for conserving this environment for the Nation.

But our work is also about delivering well designed housing and business development in a sustainable way. If you have design skills, a positive attitude to problem solving and you care about nature recovery, climate change and sustainable development then this might be the job for you.

Both roles are permanent and full-time (37 hours per week) but suitable candidates looking to work part time will also be considered. The Development Management section is based at our Bainbridge office near Leyburn but there is the opportunity to work from our Grassington office, near Skipton. Both posts are suitable for blended working and some regular home working.

Principal Planning Officer

- Salary up to £47k (£40,220 - £44,429 plus market rate supplement of £2,600)

Senior Planning Officer

- Salary up to £41K (£34,834 - £39,185 plus market rate supplement of £2,000)

Benefits

- Holiday entitlement starting at 26 days, pro rata, plus bank holidays

- Flexi time scheme

- Local government defined benefit pension scheme (LGPS)

- Subsidised Healthcare scheme

- Blended home working and flexible hours

- RTPI Membership fees paid

- Employee discounts on various goods and services

- Cycle to work scheme

- Free parking

- Commitment to wellbeing

- Relocation Allowance available

The Roles

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will manage a friendly team of planners and be responsible for delivering an efficient and effective development management service for half of the National Park.

Responsible for conserving the special qualities of this outstanding place, whilst delivering the housing and economic development necessary to sustain thriving communities. You will lead a team of up to 4 staff, guiding and supervising officers, exercising delegated powers, and delivering a high level of performance. You will also manage a small caseload of your own applications, negotiate positive design solutions, and provide professional advice on a broad spectrum of planning issues.

You will also make a significant contribution to the management and performance of the Section and deputise for the Head of Development Management when necessary.

As a Senior Planning Officer you will:

- Take on an interesting caseload of planning applications

- Give expert advice to developers and the public

- Present your recommendations to the Planning Committee

- Give evidence at public inquiries and hearings

- Get involved with interesting projects

You will be supported by experienced colleagues and have the benefit of professional training.

About You

You will already have experience of development control work and a good understanding of the legislative, procedural and policy framework within which the planning system operates.

You will be a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or be working towards becoming a Member.

Access to a car or access to a means of mobility support to meet the travel demands of the post (if driving must have a current valid driving licence and appropriate business insurance) is essential.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role.

For an informal chat about these vacancies, please contact Richard Graham, Head of Development Management, on or

The closing date for completed application forms is 11pm on Sunday 17 November 2024.

Anticipated interview date: Wednesday 27 November 2024

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