Principal Planner
Castle Point Borough Council
Temporary, Full Time
Up to £55.00 ph (umbrella)
Location: Castle Point
Closing Date: 2nd January 2026
Why Castle Point? Castle Point Borough Council is a statutory body responsible for employing nearly 350 staff, and delivering over 150 council services, both statutory and for the community's well-being and benefit. Castle Point Borough Council aims to provide high-quality and financially sustainable services while prioritising outstanding customer service, transparency in decision-making, and promoting local democracy. Additionally, the council seeks to transform, modernize, and improve its performance, as well as support and enable the communities within its jurisdiction to be strong, healthy, and thriving.
Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus
The Opportunity
This is a temporary opportunity for an experienced Principal Planner who has significant green belt experience to join the team on a 6-month basis. Please note this role requires 1-2 days on site working per week. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll be at the forefront of planning and development, guiding and shaping developments.
You should be able to hit the ground running and be capable of working with minimum supervision, efficiently managing your workload and making a real contribution towards quality decision making.
We are entering an exciting period and need a committed and enthusiastic individual, who enjoys a challenge, to assist the Council in maintaining its reputation for high quality service and decision making.
Accountabilities
- Lead on major planning applications
- Champion design excellence and compliance with national and local policies
- Drive innovation in dealing with major planning applications
- Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders
The Experience You Will Bring
- Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion, influence, and relationship-building
- Ability to interpret complex data and provide strategic solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
- Self-motivated with strong initiative and workload management
- Proficiency in IT systems, including Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365
- Advanced knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices
- Ability to manage projects and contribute to strategic planning
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer-focused service
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits and evening meetings
Experience
- Significant experience working within a local planning authority or a relevant private sector planning business
- Proven track record of handling a varied caseload of planning applications
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
- Experience in developing and managing projects or programmes of work
Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
Castle Point Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk