Principle Planning Officer

The London Borough of Sutton is seeking a Principle Planning Officer to join their Planning and Building Control service. As a Principle Planning Officer, you will lead on complex major and strategic planning applications and provide proactive pre-application advice shaping development across the borough.

The Development Management service comprises two area teams and a Planning Enforcement team, supported by dedicated business and technical support. You will work across both area teams and report directly to the Area Planning Managers, taking a lead role in handling the most complex major and strategic applications alongside high-level pre-application enquiries.

The ideal candidate will be commercially astute, proactive, and self-motivated, with a proven track record of negotiating high-quality design outcomes, Section 106 agreements, and viability assessments while working collaboratively across the Council and with elected members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on complex major and strategic planning applications
• Providing proactive pre-application advice
• Negotiating high-quality design outcomes, Section 106 agreements, and viability assessments
• Working collaboratively across the Council and with elected members
• Managing and mentoring staff within the area teams

In return, the Council offers a range of benefits, including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays
• Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
• Two volunteering days per year
• Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme
• Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
• Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
• Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle leasing scheme
• Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support