Principal Planner - Development Control

Salary details: £ - £

Are you an experienced planner with a passion for shaping sustainable communities and leading on high profile development proposals? We are seeking a Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management Team at North East Derbyshire District Council.

In this pivotal role, you will be a key player within the Development Management Service, taking the lead on the most significant development projects and helping to lead our committed team of officers. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Planning Service takes a leading role in delivering corporately significant projects, balancing the pressures of high demand for development with the preservation of the historic and natural environment which give North East Derbyshire a strong identity. 

The team has embraced significant changes to the way we work in recent times, including the adoption of a new pre-application advice service and a partnership with Design: Midlands to increase the quality of schemes submitted at the formal application stage. The Principal Planning Officers are central to ensuring that we continue to develop as a service and you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives 

North East Derbyshire can offer an excellent platform for you to develop your career. The Planning Service is involved in a number of national pilot schemes, including the Proptech Innovation Fund and the Planning Skills Delivery Fund. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to get involved in these projects and work with the Service Management Team to promote the excellent work of the team.

The Service is leading on a number of corporate priorities. The Local Plan review is underway and you will play a key role in making sure that the Development Management team add value to this process. There are major regeneration projects in the pipeline, including those affecting heritage assets and the Green Belt. You will be the lead officer on some of these corporately significant projects that include the redevelopment of Council assets. 

The role would suit planners with Development Management experience who are looking to develop their career. We have a genuine ‘One Team’ approach here at North East Derbyshire. This is not just a slogan, it is a way of working that recognises that we will deliver far better outcomes for residents if we see the ‘bigger picture’ and work together. This approach fosters people who have bold ideas, seize the initiative and have a determination to push things forward. If this sounds like you, we would very much welcome your application! 

 To be successful you will need:
•    Comprehensive knowledge of Development Management procedures and statutory requirements derived from the Town and Planning Act and subsidiary and associated legislation
•    Understanding of National Planning Policies and policy formulation
•    The ability to understand architectural drawings and an understanding of design, conservation and landscape issues
•    To be able to meet travel requirements of the role including regular travel around the District to visit sites and ideally possess a full driving licence

For a full list of job details and requirements please view the Job Description and Person Specification.

In return the Council offer
•    A supportive and collaborative working environment.
•    Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
•    Flexible working arrangement, up to 35 days annual leave and a strong focus on work-life balance.
•    Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and other employee benefits.

Join us and help shape the future of our District – where your leadership can make a lasting impact.

Apply today!
If you are interested in this post, please apply using the online application form on our dedicated webpage on Derbyshire Jobs at North East Derbyshire District Council Vacancies or via Derbyshire - Jobs and Careers by clicking ‘Apply for this job’ and creating an account.  You can save your progress and exit the application at any time, coming back to it at a later stage to complete and submit your application.  Applications close Midnight, 21st September 2025.

Please read the Guidance Notes provided before completing any application.
If you do not have internet access, you can request an offline application pack by contacting North East Derbyshire District Council Contact Centre on (01246) 231111 or emailing HumanResources@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk 

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please note the Council only consider applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK and who possess a current work permit appropriate to the job role advertised.

For further information
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Graeme Cooper, Team Leader (Development Management) on (01246) 2117174 or via email graeme.cooper@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk or David Thompson (Assistant Director of Planning via email david.thompson@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk . 

If you have not received any communication within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, and we thank you for your interest in the job role.