A Local Authority based in Greater Manchester is looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join their Development Management team. This is a full time, temporary position and the ideal candidate will hold a degree or equivalent in town planning or a related professional discipline, and be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, they will also have significant experience in dealing with a range of complex major Planning Applications on behalf of a Local Authority. The purpose of the role will be to manage a caseload consisting mainly of complex planning applications, leading on pre-application enquiries and appeals including through Public Inquiry.The main responsibilities of the role are:Familiarise yourself with the departmental policies and procedures. Familiarise yourself with the Development Management operating systems used by the CouncilProcess and co-ordinate the input from consultees within and outside of the Council on a range of major planning applications and present these at Planning Committee.Provide advice to planning officers in the determination of planning applications. Deal with planning appeals through a range of processes, including undertaking the role of expert witness at Public Inquiry.Engage with developers and their agents in regard to pre-application enquiries and co-ordinate the input from other specialists within the Council to give clear advice to the applicant. Respond promptly to breaches of planning control through working with the Council's planning enforcement officers, initiating enforcement action as required.Respond promptly to enquiries and complaints and support staff in this respect, in accordance with the Council's standards and procedures.Dealt with enquiries from Elected Members and provided advice on planning matters. The ideal candidate for the role of Principal Planning Officer: A degree or equivalent in town planning or a related professional discipline, and be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.Significant experience in dealing with a range of complex major Planning Applications, Prior Approval Notifications, Planning Appeals, Non-Material Amendment Applications and applications to Discharge Planning Conditions, providing robust decisions in accordance with statutory timescales.A good understanding of Development Management guidance and procedures.An appreciation of commercial issues relating to planning and development, and experience of dealing with these in the planning process.Experience of problem solving in a planning and development context, using the planning system and influencing stakeholders to secure outcomes that align with the Council's policies and objectives.Experience of making effective presentations or presenting a case in a public environment such as Planning Committee, Public Inquiries or Hearings.The client is looking to move quickly with this role and as such are offering between £35 - £40 p/hour Umbrella Ltd (approx. £815 - £910 p/week NET after deductions) dependant on experience and qualifications. So if this position sounds of interest, email a copy of your up to date CV to or call James at Service Care Construction on Not interested in this role but know somebody who could be? Refer a friend today and receive up to £250 per referral if they are successfully placed by SC Construction!