Principal Development Officer

Permanent Full-Time Position

Grade K £34,809 - £42,614

“Cornwall Council is one of the largest and busiest Unitary Authorities in England.  We are a dynamic and successful local planning authority with a strong focus on team work to help the Council achieve its mission of working with communities for a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well.  Cornwall has a diverse range of both urban, rural and coastal locations, which itself provides a number of exciting and diverse planning challenges, offering a beautiful place to live and work.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and committed candidate to fill the post of Principal Development Officer within a friendly and supportive area based team of Development Officers responsible for delivering Development Management decisions within the east of the Duchy.  You will be joining a very experienced team with the additional benefit of a varied caseload and a mix of home and office working.

The role involves managing a large caseload of more complex planning applications and pre-application enquiries, which may include a mix of minor and major proposals for housing, employment, tourism, agricultural and infrastructure developments, whilst also supporting and mentoring less experienced team members.  We pride ourselves in our trusted working relationships with our Members and Local Councils which, through our protocols, results in a high level of delegation, and you will be using your delegated powers to sign off both your own and other team members recommendations whilst presenting schemes to Planning Committees where necessary.  

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively both within the organisation and with stakeholders including Elected Members, Local Councils and Consultees.  You will have a proven track record of being able to balance the sometimes competing demands of different stakeholders, whilst putting forward cohesive, logical planning arguments on behalf of the Council. You should be able to effectively manage a caseload with multiple deadlines.

We have a supportive management team to help nurture our staff and this job represents an exciting opportunity to develop a range of planning skills and mentoring skills. It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills, experience and career.

Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance. Whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

More information on the benefits of working for Cornwall Council can be found here.

It is anticipated that Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams the week of 27th June 22.

Please view the role profile here, your application will need to demonstrate how you meet the required criteria. Please ensure you answer all of the pre-screening questions in full, within the application form.

Fairness and inclusion are at the heart of our vision for Cornwall.  In order to best serve our communities, we are striving to achieve a diverse workforce that is inclusive of all backgrounds, cultures and identities; e.g. race, disability, sex, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, and we will assess applicants on their merits. 

Cornwall Council is committed to safeguarding and following safer recruitment principles to help make sure our staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children, young people and adults at risk. It’s a vital part of creating a safe and positive environment and making a commitment to keeping all service users safe from harm.

Whilst the location/work-base for this role has been specified, our evolving ways of working means that the role may require you to also work remotely (e.g. from home/other locations). We will discuss this with you during the recruitment process.

Other Planning opportunities can be found on the Councils website.  

More information about working for Cornwall Council is available here

We are open to discussion about flexible working.

Closing date – Friday 17th June 2022

Interview date - It is anticipated that Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams the week of 27th June 22