Principal Planning Officer

Job profile

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job reference

REQ

Date posted

27/10/2025

Application closing date

10/11/2025

Location

Salary

£47,181 - £48,226

Package

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Attachments

Job description

INTERNAL ONLY

Location: Barrow

Contract Type: Permanent

About this opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Principal Planning Officer to join Westmorland and Furness Council's Development Management Service, part of the Thriving Places Directorate.

Our Development Management Service plays a vital role in shaping sustainable, high-quality places across Westmorland and Furness — ensuring new development aligns with national and local planning policies, contributes to community wellbeing, and supports economic and environmental priorities.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead on the assessment and management of complex and high-profile planning applications, providing expert advice and technical leadership across the service. You'll work closely with the Area Manager and other senior colleagues to ensure planning decisions are robust, transparent, and aligned with the Council's strategic objectives for growth and sustainability.

You will also play a key role in mentoring and supporting other officers, helping to build technical knowledge and confidence across the wider planning team. This is a diverse and rewarding role, combining professional challenge with the opportunity to influence the quality and character of development across a unique and diverse part of the country.

Key priorities include:

• Leading on the assessment of complex, major, and high-impact planning applications.
• Providing expert advice and technical guidance to colleagues on planning law and policy.
• Preparing detailed reports and professional recommendations for planning committees.
• Engaging with developers, agents, and local communities to shape positive development outcomes.
• Supporting the preparation of appeal statements and representing the Council at hearings and inquiries.
• Mentoring and supporting junior officers to build a high-performing and collaborative team culture.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled planning professional to take on a senior technical role within a proactive and forward-thinking local planning authority.

Who we are looking for…

We are seeking an experienced planning professional with a strong track record in development management, excellent analytical skills, and a collaborative approach. You'll bring confidence, sound professional judgement, and the ability to balance complex considerations to achieve high-quality, sustainable outcomes.

You will hold chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and a degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.

You will also bring:

• Significant experience managing complex and high-profile planning applications.
• A strong understanding of planning legislation, national and local policy frameworks, and decision-making processes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with elected Members, stakeholders, and the public.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and apply policy in challenging situations.
• Proficiency in planning management software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• A commitment to teamwork, customer service, and continuous professional development.

If you're ready to take on a senior professional role that combines technical expertise, leadership, and the opportunity to shape the future of Westmorland and Furness, we'd love to hear from you.

What can we offer you

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers )

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth) via email on to arrange an informal conversation.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 10th November 2025

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.

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