Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This role has a starting salary of £55,486 per annum, for working 36 hours per week. We are excited to welcome a Principal Planning Officer to our friendly and highly professional Development Management Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional looking to further develop their career within a specialist development management environment. The successful applicant will deal with a varied caseload of planning applications relating to minerals and waste development and the County Council's own development. Our team is based in Woking and works flexibly in a hybrid way, typically involving office attendance of up to two days per week. We are a collaborative and supportive team with a strong commitment to professional excellence, continuous improvement and personal development. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff) Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. About the Role The Development Management Team delivers Surrey County Council's statutory planning functions as the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority and determines planning applications relating to the County Council's own development (Regulation 3 development). We pride ourselves on providing an efficient and professional service that supports sustainable development. Surrey County Council is also on an exciting transformation journey as it prepares for Local Government Reorganisation. The Council will transition from a two-tier structure into two new unitary authorities (East and West Surrey) in April 2027. The Principal Planning Officer post will transfer to the West Surrey Unitary Authority, serving the areas of Guildford, Waverley, Woking, Surrey Heath, Runnymede and Spelthorne, and will continue to play a key role in delivering high-quality planning services. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will be responsible for managing a varied caseload of planning applications, appeals and pre-application enquiries across the minerals and waste and County Council development functions. Key Responsibilities Support the Planning Service in delivering statutory planning functions relating to minerals and waste development and the County Council's own development. Provide professional pre-application advice to applicants, planning consultants, elected Members, County Council services and members of the public. Assess planning proposals against development plan policies, national planning policy and other material considerations. Liaise effectively with applicants, statutory consultees, stakeholders and local communities. Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for determination under delegated powers or by the Planning and Regulatory Committee. Present planning applications and recommendations to Committee. Assist with planning enforcement investigations and related matters. Represent the County Planning Authority at hearings, inquiries and other appeal proceedings. Prepare written representations and statements of case in relation to planning appeals. Undertake site visits. Support and mentor colleagues within the team. Whilst this role does not include direct line management responsibilities, you will be expected to demonstrate leadership through professional expertise, mentoring, collaboration and personal accountability. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours: Degree, HNC or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, or substantial relevant professional experience. Demonstrable experience in planning, development management or a related professional discipline. Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex information and make balanced professional recommendations. Experience of managing competing priorities and delivering work to deadlines. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to team objectives. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical and innovative solutions. If you are looking for a rewarding planning role where you can make a real impact, develop professionally and work with a supportive team of planning specialists, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your current CV and a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words explaining why you are suitable for the role. Your application should demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in this advert and provide clear examples of your relevant experience and achievements. Shortlisting will be based on the information provided within your CV and personal statement. Before submitting your application, we encourage you to read the job description. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Janine Wright, Development Management Team Leader, via email. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 09/08/2026 with interviews planned for 13/08/2026. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

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